By Cheyenne Macdonald For Dailymail.com
Published: 19:41 BST, 16 April 2019 | Updated: 00:05 BST, 17 April 2019
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A stomach-churning parasite typically known to infect southeast Asia’s Burmese python has now made its way to central Florida - and, scientists warn it could spread across the country in a matter of years.
The worms, known as pentastome parasites, invade the lungs of their victims and feed exclusively on blood.
While it’s well known that the presence of Burmese pythons is wreaking havoc on native species, scientists say they've identified an ‘alarming’ new cause for concern after discovering a dead pygmy rattlesnake with parasitic worms spilling out of its mouth.
Experts say the parasite already appears to be traveling north, and there’s no telling how far or fast it will spread.
Scientists have identified an ‘alarming’ new cause for concern after discovering a dead pygmy rattlesnake with parasitic worms spilling out of its mouth. The worms, known as pentastome parasites, invade the lungs of their victims and feed exclusively on blood
Burmese pythons have become invasive in Florida as a result of the exotic pet trade and natural disasters; the giant snakes were among thousands of animals said to have escaped after Hurricane Andrew decimated breeding facilities in 1992.
And, it now appears they've brought their parasites with them.
According to Terence Farrell, Ph.D., professor of biology at Stetson University who has studied the species for decades, the discovery is ‘pretty alarming.’
‘We conducted research and found that these types of parasites have never been found in pygmy rattlesnakes before,’ Farrell said.
As of now, the parasites aren’t considered much of a threat to humans. But, it could spell disaster for native reptiles.
Pygmy rattlesnakes are venomous and can be found throughout the