These live Asian swamp eels were imported from southeast Asia and sold in an urban food markets in the U.S. Raw or undercooked Asian swamp eels could transmit a parasitic infection called gnathostomiasis to consumers, and wild eels could become widespread in some U.S. waters.

USGS scientists found parasitic worms known as gnathostomes in Asian swamp eels collected between 2010 and 2012 from ethnic food markets and in Florida waters where the eel species is invasive. If eaten raw or undercooked, these eels could transmit their parasites to people, causing mild to serious disease. Severe cases of the infection can lead to blindness, paralysis or death. Also concerning is that this parasite could be transmitted into native fish and wildlife populations and domestic cats or dogs. Learn more about this at on.doi.gov/ASE.

Location: Georgia, U.S. Taken by Leo Nico, USGS.

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