In a groundbreaking discovery, a team of researchers and students from the University of California, Riverside has uncovered the cause behind a mysterious illness that has affected dogs in east Riverside County. The culprit? A parasite known as Heterobilharzia americana, or liver fluke.

For years, authorities struggled to identify the tormentor behind the injuries of 10 dogs and the death of one. The victims hailed from Los Angeles, Riverside, and Orange counties, while the suspect continually maintained an alibi, claiming it had never visited California. It wasn't until Professor Adler R. Dillman, chair of UC Riverside's Department of Nematology, and his team delved deeper into the case that the truth began to unfold.

The breakthrough came when the team discovered a key link between the abuser and the abused: time spent at the Colorado River near the California-Arizona border town of Blythe. In a series of trips between March and August 2023, the researchers collected over 2,000 snails, specifically two species known to transmit the liver fluke.

Through DNA analysis, the team successfully identified the snails, Galba cubensis and Galba humilis, and confirmed the presence of the liver fluke parasite. Their findings were published in the scientific journal Pathogens.

Professor Dillman expressed his excitement in finally finding answers and confirming their suspicions about the parasite. He emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the parasite's harm to dogs. Canine schistosomiasis, an illness affecting the liver and intestines of dogs, is caused by this parasite.

Symptoms of the disease include vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health advises dog owners to seek a fecal test if their pets exhibit these symptoms after swimming in the Colorado River. The disease has a gradual onset, making early detection crucial.

The outbreak of canine schistosomiasis near the Colorado River was first noted in 2019 when two South Bay dogs tested positive for the parasite. Over time, the number increased to 11 dogs from five households across three counties, with seven cases from Orange County. Treatment with antiparasitic drugs enabled recovery for most dogs, but sadly, one succumbed to the illness.

It remains unknown how the snails carrying the parasite made their way to California, but previous outbreaks of canine schistosomiasis in Moab, Utah, near the Colorado River, suggest their presence. Along with dogs, the liver fluke has also been known to infect raccoons and horses.

While the disease cannot be transmitted from dogs to humans, individuals may develop a self-limiting rash after swimming or contacting contaminated waters. Prompt treatment with antiparasitic drugs like praziquantel and fenbendazole can help combat the infection.

The discovery of the liver fluke parasite in the Colorado River serves as a wake-up call for dog owners to be vigilant. Increasing awareness and understanding of the symptoms can aid in early detection and proper treatment. The diligent efforts of Professor Dillman and his team have brought to light a hidden threat, ensuring the wellbeing of our furry friends who enjoy swimming in our beautiful rivers.