Dangers of Cuban treefrogs harboring rat lungworms

Dangers of Cuban treefrogs harboring rat lungworms


Rat lungworms are hazardous to people and their pets alike. These parasites hitch rides in several hosts, including snails and slugs. Now, Cuban treefrogs have been added to the list.

These invasive amphibians are well established in Florida and they’ve crossed into Louisiana too. There, they prey on native frogs and disrupt local ecosystems.

Cuban treefrogs also overrun residential areas, contaminating bird baths and ponds, garden hoses and plumbing. In short, their contact with people and pets is too close for comfort.

Signs of rat lungworm infections in dogs include hind limb weakness or paralysis whereas meningitis, brain damage and blindness are more common in people.

All reasons enough to steer clear of areas where snails, slugs — and now, Cuban treefrogs — are settled in.

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