Not all snails and slugs carry the lungworm parasite. If, however, you live in an area where there are a lot of foxes and cases of lungworm in dogs have been reported you should discuss treatment and prevention options with your veterinarian.
Do all slugs carry lungworm?
Not all snails and slugs carry the lungworm parasite. But, if you live in an area where cases of lungworm in dogs have been reported and you suspect your dog has eaten a slug or a snail, you should contact your vet right away.
How common is lungworm in slugs?
Lungworm - uncommon, but extremely serious Not every snail or slug carries the disease and lungworm's geographical limitations means infection is currently relatively uncommon, but it does rear its head from time to time. In extreme cases it causes the death of infected patients, so it is potentially extremely serious.
Do all slugs carry rat lungworm?
Infected slugs and snails also transmit rat lungworms to humans. All known cases of rat lungworm disease are linked to slug and snail contact. Slugs and snails can contaminate garden produce with rat lungworm parasites.
Can you get lungworm from slugs?
People can be infected when they deliberately or accidentally eat a raw snail or slug that contains the lung worm larvae or if they eat unwashed lettuce or other raw leafy vegetables that have been contaminated by the slime of infected snails or slugs.
