Unusual Toxic Invasive Worm Discovered in U.S. That Can Make Pet Sick

Invasive hammerhead worms are sighted in parts of the U.S, according to the latest reports. The said worms can cause human skin irritation and make pets sick if consumed.

Homeowners are advised to avoid touching the toxic invasive worm. They can also be likely in gardens and backyards.

According to Pennsylvania State University's College of Agricultural Sciences, it is best that homeowners safely put the small worms inside a plastic bag.

To kill it, they can use ethanol or salt.

The report highlighted that cutting the toxic invasive hammerhead flatforms is not the answer because they can regenerate and multiply.

Researchers have been studying the invasive worm impact on the ecosystem. Meanwhile, pet owners should check their backyard because the small worm can make your pets sick.

Unusual and toxic invasive worm in the U.S

(Photo : by JOEL SAGET/AFP via Getty Images)
Earthworms. The unusual toxic invasive worm has been sighted in parts of the U.S., and is widespread in New York. It is also called invasive hammerhead flatworms. Pets can become sick if they consume the small worm. Humans can also suffer from skin irritation.

According to CNN's recent report, the small and invasive worm has been around the country, with sightings in portions of New York, Southeastern U.S., Northeast and Washington.

Biological Science Professor Peter Dulcey told CNN that the the invasive worm is considered widespread in New York City.

Dulcey is from the State University of New York.

Hammerhead flatworm is seen as an earthworm predator. The report noted that the said worm can secrete chemicals that can cause skin irritation, the Texas Invasive Species Institute said.

Based on the CNN report, people can quickly notice the invasive hammerhead platforms. They have visible curve heads with dark brown or yellow colors.

As mentioned, it is not advisable to cut the said worms because they will just regenerate and multiply.

People are advised to avoid touching the toxic worm.

The institute advised people to dispose of small worms because of possible skin irritation safely. The report highlighted that the small hammerhead flatworms' sexual production is not yet observed.

Furthermore, the USDA National Invasive Species Information Center explained that the invasive hammerhead worm could affect natural ecosystems, including agriculture.

The report noted that the said worms are mostly in the Southeast due to warm conditions and ideal habits for them.

Nature World News (NWN) recently reported that the Southeast experienced a warmer outlook and oppressive heat.

The increasing sightings of the invasive hammerhead worms raised concerns, especially in the Southeast. Researchers are looking into the kind of earthworks that the invasive worms likely consume.

According to Professor Dulce, there impact of predation on the said worms needs more research.

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Did you know?

Recently, Nature World News (NWN) and Sky News reported that scientists managed to resurrect small worms that were frozen in the Siberian permafrost for about 46,000 years.

Based on the reports, the worms were revived after scientists provided them with water and food.

In the report published by the University of Hawaii, species like worms can undergo a state of cryptobiosis to deal with extreme environmental conditions.

Worms can become inactive, including their metabolic function.