‘Zombie Snail’ Parasites Removed From California Lake Shore

Environmental officials in California are investigating and testing a parasite found in snails in a lake near the city of San Diego. These brain-hijacking organisms can pose a threat to animals and humans who come into contact with them.

 Animals and humans who come into contact with the parasitic snail can become sickened by swallowing tainted water or the tiny snails themselves and can be fatal if not identified and treated promptly, according to livescience.com.

When we think of potential threats humans have to watch out for when spending a day at the lake things like boats, leeches, algae, and rusty fish hooks come to mind. It's not often we have to warn our kids to look out for parasitic "zombie snails."

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Leucochloridium paradoxum is the scientific name given to what people in the parasitology community call zombie snails or the Green-banded broodsac. The word "zombie" comes into play because the organism takes over control of the mind of the snail and sets them on a self-destructive path, according to livescience.com.

This species of sickened snail was discovered last week at Lake Murray, which is located 12 miles northeast of San Diego, according to CBS 8 San Diego. Animals and humans who come into contact with the parasitic snail can become sickened by swallowing tainted water or the tiny snails themselves and can be fatal if not identified and treated promptly, according to livescience.com.

If you come across any shoreline snails while visiting your local lake, it might be in your best interest to avoid them. These parasites are known to be found in many parts of the world including North America.