07/31/2026
Warn Of Deadly, “Revolting” Parasite Sickening
Alarming new research from a top Texas vet at Texas A&M University about a parasitic menace has NYC's Animal Medical Center The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center warning vets and owners to be on the lookout.
Once treated as a Gulf Coast oddity, americana, the that causes canine , is forcing a nationwide rethink and redrawing of maps following a presentation of new research.
Schistosomiasis is a devastating disease spread through feces-infested water in far-flung corners of the developing world. At least that’s generally how it works for people. I had studied schistosomiasis as an undergraduate at Brown in a course called, “The Burden of Disease in Developing Countries.” What was “schistosomiasis” doing on the agenda at a veterinary conference in Seattle – and what was “canine” doing next to it? My anxiety level grew when I arrived for Dr. Kathleen Aicher’s talk at the Seattle Convention Center at the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM)) annual forum – often where the most consequential, talked about research is unveiled – and saw images of Labradors on the cover slide of her PowerPoint.
Once treated as a Gulf Coast oddity, Heterobilharzia americana, the parasite that causes canine schistosomiasis, is forcing a nationwide rethink and redrawing of maps following a presentation of new research. This week, NYC's Animal Medical Center is telling owners and vets to be on the lookout.
