What is it?
The snake lungworm or Raillietiella orientalis is a deadly parasitic worm that feeds on the lungs of Florida’s snakes. It was introduced to Florida in the 1990s, through the invasive Burmese Python snake species. The transmission begins when cockroaches eat the feces of an infected snake, passing the parasite to small mammals and reptiles. When a snake eats these infected species, the larvae immediately travel to the lungs, feeding on the snake’s blood and causing severe organ damage. This deadly parasite currently affects 19 of Florida’s 46 snake species including the native dusky pygmy snake and cottonmouths.
Why it matters
This parasite has spread to at least 25 counties in Florida. With its complex method of dispersal, it is not easy to target and control. A current study found that it is spreading quickly throughout Florida and has already been discovered in Northern and Central Florida.
This lethal parasite lives within the lungs of a snake. It has been found to cause lesions, inflammation, infections, sepsis, pneumonia, and eventually mortality among snakes that it inhabits.
Its longevity, complex life cycle, and dispersal methods make it especially challenging to target and eradicate. It progresses through multiple stages and intermediate organisms before ultimately residing in the host snake’s lungs.
On a more positive note, the Florida cottonmouth snake shows signs of resistance against this parasite. They have been found to be a species with a high rate of infection, but their populations aren’t declining like other species.
What you can do
More research needs to be done on the spread of this parasitic disease. You can learn more about Florida’s native snake species using the Florida Museum Snake ID Guide. Currently, more research needs to be done to establish this parasite as the main cause of these snakes’ mortality. Another issue that scientists face is the lack of awareness. Snakes are largely unseen by the public, which can make it difficult to elecit support for the project.
With the current rate of transmission, researchers expect this parasitic disease to spread much further. You can learn more about this ongoing issue by visiting the IFAS Snake Lungworm Alliance & Monitoring website or reading about it in a recent article by National Geographic.
Because Florida is a major site for reptile and amphibian pet trade, global spread of the parasite has become a serious concern. Infected snakes are difficult to detect, making awareness crucial for those involved in the international pet trade.
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