The Asian lungworm Raillietiella orientalis, has discovered its approach, through the invasive Burmese python (Python bivittatus), into Florida-native snakes and is wreaking havoc on a number of of the state’s 46 native snake species, 36 of that are native to South Florida the place the Burmese python is established.
Florida native snakes contaminated with the snake lungworm embody black racers (Coluber constrictor), jap coachwhips (Masticophis flagellum), pygmy rattlesnakes (Sistrurus miliarius) and Jap Indigo snakes (Drymarchon couperi), amongst others, and all species which might be identified to eat different snakes, together with hatchling and juvenile Burmese pythons.
Researcher and Ph.D scholar Jenna Palmisano of the College of Central Florida, informed Fox 13 that the parasite possible arrived through the Burmese python and different invasive species which might be established of their Sunshine State. “Round 2012 is after we began seeing it in native snakes in South Florida,” she stated.
Asian Parasites Discovered In Burmese Pythons Killing Native Florida Snakes
Florida’s Invasive Burmese Pythons Spreading Illness To Native Snakes, Research Says
Palmisano then created the Snake Lungworm Alliance and Monitoring system, which is comprised of researchers, land managers, native authorities and citizen scientists who work collaboratively to conduct surveillance of Raillietiella orientalis, or snake lungworm throughout the Southern United States. Since its inception in 2022, SLAM has recognized 13 counties through which the Raillietiella orientalis has been detected. The parasite has been detected in 27 counties by different entities.
Palmisano notes that the snake lungworm is contributing to the decline of native snake populations, an vital distinction in that these reptiles are each predator and prey in Florida’s ecosystem.
Burmese python. HEIKO KIERA/SHUTTERSTOCK
“The snakes function each predators and prey, and they also’re vital for our populations of birds of prey and controlling our lizard and amphibian populations,” Palmisano informed Fox 13.
A part of the reporting course of entails these within the area to report once they see the snake lungworm in snakes. And particularly vital is those that are capturing wild caught snakes and promoting them.
“If you’re aspiring to promote wild caught snakes, take them to a vet or another person who can take a look at them for the parasite, so you understand you’re not delivery this animal wherever you’re delivery it, and it has pathogens, particularly this invasive lungworm,” Palmisano stated.
Along with snakes, Raillietiella orientalis can infect different species throughout the course of its life cycle. Fishes, amphibians, and mammals can function intermediate hosts of the parasite and might then infect snakes that eat these organisms.
If you’re out area herping in Florida and occur upon lifeless snakes with parasites, you’ll be able to report it to SLAM at https://www.eddmaps.org/report/
