Not every harmful animal has a fierce and threatening appearance. The New Guinea flatworm is a good example: it is small and easy to overlook, yet it is considered one of the more troublesome invasive species.
Those who live in Southwest Florida, or plan to visit this area, should keep an eye out for the New Guinea flatworm.
The flatworm was first spotted in 2015 in the Miami region. Later, it was also found in a flowerpot in Cape Coral. According to experts, it probably came to Florida with plants or produce from the South Pacific.
This flatworm has a dark color and an orange stripe down its back. Christopher McVoy, an environmental scientist from Florida, said he saw one in his driveway.
He did some research and asked a researcher at the Museum of Natural History in Paris for an opinion, who said he had not seen any that far north.
The flatworm can carry a parasite known as rat lungworm, which normally lives in rats. People can be infected by accident, and in rare cases the infection may affect the brain and spinal cord.
For that reason, it is best not to touch this flatworm with bare hands. Use gloves, and wash your hands and any garden produce well.
These worms prey on small animals such as snails, including native species, so they are also a threat to the local ecosystem.
If you see a New Guinea flatworm in the Southwest Florida region, take a photo of the animal and contact the local wildlife authorities.
Many researchers are working hard to keep this invasive animal from spreading elsewhere in Florida and the U.S.
Via Live Science
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk to your doctor about any health concern.