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Pond creature id

RustyleavesRustyleaves Posts: 21
in Wildlife gardening
Hi, just wondering if anyone had any idea on what this creature is? Just spotted them in the bird bath and the little worms seem to still be coming out but very little clue on what it actually is!
Thanks

Posts

  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    There is a good chance that you've found a slug that was infected with Rat Lungworm. It could be another parasite/nematode though but without a really good close up photo, or microscope slide ideally, it would be hard to tell. Either way it's fascinatingly disgusting :)
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    I should add that if you have pets then make sure they've been treated for lungworm just in case.
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • RustyleavesRustyleaves Posts: 21
    That is a good description for how we felt looking at it! 
  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    There's a map online that shows an approximate distribution map of Rat Lungworm based on cases that have been found by vets. https://mypetandi.elanco.com/en_gb/lungworm-map
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • RustyleavesRustyleaves Posts: 21
    Thank you @wild edges - I was worried because we have cats and they sometimes drink from the bowl and then the birds. Luckily our dog can't reach it. 
  • ErgatesErgates Posts: 2,953
    That is horrid! I shall be out in the morning to disinfect the bird baths just in case!
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