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Your Dog or Cat Might Be Spreading an Invasive Flatworm
Study reveals dogs and cats carry Caenoplana variegata flatworms, with over 12 years of citizen data showing pets may drive invasive spread beyond plant transport.
- Today, a study published in PeerJ found household pets can carry the invasive flatworm Caenoplana variegata across France, led by the Institute of Systematics, Evolution and Biodiversity.
- Terrestrial flatworms normally spread through plant trade and gardening, but scientists were puzzled by their appearance in nearby gardens despite their slow movement, so they analyzed more than 12 years of observations from citizen science programs in France.
- Citizen science reports showed flatworms clinging to the fur of dogs and cats, and Professor Jean-Lou Justine said `Flatworms were indeed found attached to the fur of dogs and cats. `; researchers noted the species' sticky mucus likely aids dispersal.
- The biology implies Caenoplana variegata can reproduce without a partner, and because pets travel considerable distances each year, researchers warn single transported individuals could establish new populations.
- Of the roughly ten invasive flatworm species in France, only the single implicated species was linked to pet transport, revealing a previously overlooked local garden colonization pathway.
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Your Dog or Cat Might Be Spreading an Invasive Flatworm
A surprising new study reveals that dogs and cats may be helping an invasive flatworm spread. A new study published today (February 10) in the journal PeerJ has uncovered an unexpected way an invasive flatworm is spreading across France. The research was led by a scientist from the Institute of Systematics, Evolution and Biodiversity (ISYEB) [...]
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Total News Sources19
Leaning Left4Leaning Right1Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution45% Left, 44% Center
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources lean Left, 44% of the sources are Center
45% Left
L 45%
C 44%
11%
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