Latest news with #TylerAchatz
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
DNR warns of invasive snail that could carry harmful worm
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — Wildlife authorities are asking for anglers, boaters and lake visitors across Georgia to help prevent the spread of invasive snail species. A recent discovery found that two kinds of invasive aquatic snails, the apple and mystery snail, can harbor a type of worm that can potentially cause illness in humans if it's consumed, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) said. While rat lungworm has been found in the invasive snails in other states, but this is the first time it's been documented in snails in Georgia. Apple and mystery snails are not native to Georgia. Before this study, rat lungworm had only been discovered in Georgia near the Atlanta Zoo in 2019. The parasite was found in rats. The test results confirmed that there was a low-level presence of rat lungworm in both snail species. The study was done by WRD and Tyler Achatz's parasitology lab at Middle Georgia College (MGC). This parasite can be transmitted to people when snails are eaten raw or undercooked, but the likelihood of becoming infected is very low, a WRD official said. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) also said that rat lungworm does not replicate in humans and human-to-human transmission does not occur. 'Prevention is the first and most important step to reducing the risk of invasive species establishing populations in Georgia waters,' a WRD spokesperson said. Here are a few tips that DNR gave for residents: Take time to thoroughly wash down your boat, trailer and fishing gear after each outing on the water Choose to not dump aquariums Don't intentionally release non-native species into waterbodies where they did not previously occur For more information on invasive species, including apple and mystery snails, and how to report sightings, visit For more information on rat lungworm and its potential health implications, contact the CDC at Rat Lungworm Disease (Angiostrongylus) | CDC. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Officials warn that invasive snails can harm your health as well as Georgia wildlife
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division are encouraging anglers, boaters, and visitors to lakes across the state to help prevent the spread of invasive snail species. They say these species can harbor a type of worm that can potentially cause illness in humans if eaten. In a recent cooperative study, the department partnered with Dr. Tyler Achatz's parasitology lab at Middle Georgia College, and examined two species of invasive aquatic snails, the apple and mystery snail, for various parasites. The snails were collected from multiple locations around the state and tested for the presence of various parasites. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The tests confirmed a low-level presence of rat lungworm in both species. The parasite can be transmitted to people when snails or slugs are eaten raw or undercooked. Though an infection of rat lungworm is very low, in extremely rare cases, infection can lead to eosinophilic meningitis, with complications including the possibility of death. The Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control says the parasite does not replicate in humans and cannot transmit between humans. For more information on invasive species, including apple and mystery snails, and how to report sightings, visit TRENDING STORIES: US Postal Service says it has suspended inbound packages from China, Hong Kong Atlanta-based designer featured in Target campaign feels 'gaslit' after DEI changes Former DA breaks down as she testifies in illegal interference trial over handling of Arbery case [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
