Very matured worms are been detected on the surface of the eye, and causes irritation.
It's been speculated that an eye infection that emerged from a parasite worm mainly common in mainland Europe may spread to the UK. Everyone who owns a pet are been alerted.
The disease is called Thelazia callipaeda simply put, Oriental eye worm. The source of this disease is from a type of fruit fly that perches on the eye and drops infective larvae.
This disease is infectious, both animals and humans Ranging from, cats and dogs can be infected through the flies, because it feeds from the eye secretion.
Recently three dog cases were recorded in the UK, the animals are not resided in the UK, they were imported from other countries.
The first dog was imported to the UK from Romania, while the remaining two were reported to have traveled recently with their owners to Europe mainland.
None of them died during the cause of the infection, they have all recovered after treatment and the adult worms were completely flused out from their eyes
The same fruit-fly has been spotted in Britain, and the fear is that it may infect people and animals and the disease will then spread across the UK, this information was been announced by the veterinary expert John Graham Brown.
Though it was said the infection can not ne transmitted to people from their pets. Pet owners should watch out for the signs associated with the infection in both themelves and their pets, especially those who traveled recently to places where the disease was discovered.
Countries like Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Greece, Belgium and Serbia have announced some locally transfered cases.
Symptoms Of The Disease In Animals
1. Mild conjunctivitis (eyes will be pinkish in colour)
2. Severe corneal ulceration. If this is not treated can lead to blindness.
Matured adult worms can be detected without the use of a microscope. But the larvae can easily be seen with the help of a microscope.
Only one strain of the infection have been found around Europe, though it has been spreading instantly lately. The cause of the rapid spread has not been detected.
Similar specie of the fly have been found in the UK also. So there is a probability that an infected dog can come back and transmit it to the flies around the UK, and thus the spread.
You can find the flies in places like oak woodland during summer.
I find this information alarming, that's why I decided to share. Save a soul.
Thanks for reading, you are highly appreciated.
