K9Karen..hove you heard of this critter???

[davet]

By Michael Drake
15 July 2005
A new parasite which could kill pet cats and dogs and a range of much loved wildlife has been discovered for the first time in Britain, the Cornwall Wildlife Trust has warned.
The flatworm - called Pseudamphistomum truncatum - is believed to have been introduced by ornamental fish imported from Russia and eastern Europe.
Some of the fish escaped from ponds and are now thriving in the Somerset Levels.
The worm is passed on when animals, like cats, dogs, otters and foxes eat raw fish which have been infected.
The disease is also capable of - in rare cases - infecting people.
Vic Simpson, a leading veterinary wildlife pathologist who discovered the parasite, said: "This new disease is a worrying development.
"It is another example of the ease with which new diseases can be introduced and which can pose a threat, not only to wildlife, but also to pets and humans alike

[TheSkeptic]

Sounds like another good reason to avoid Sushi. ....

[k9Karen]

Sounds like another good reason to avoid Sushi. ....

You said it! If you worked with what I do, you wouldn't even touch raw seafood - or an undercooked hamburger. Our latest outbreak was Cyclospora (a protozoan parasite). That one was traced to fresh basil. Not even the veggies are safe!

To answer you question, davet - nope, this is news to me. Sounds like a really nasty critter. Hope it doesn't hop a plane and end up over here.