04-05-2017, 04:40 AM
With the low research that has been available for Rat Lung Studies, there are very few DEFINITIVE research answers. Here are the ones that I have been able to glean from the research I have read
RLW cases have been traced to origin on three islands now: , Maui, Oahu & Hawaii Island
Mollusks that have infectious loads of Rat Lung have been found in EVERY COUNTY OF OUR STATE
Rats & parrots have both been shown to be hosts, there are now research questions on what other avian & mama sources COULD BE hosts
A wide variety of native & non-native mollusks have been found to carry RLW, including native partial, freshwater ophihi & there are now research questions on wether RLW could be found in brackish to saltwater mollusks, again, not enough research to state
Slime trails & minute bits of mollusks have both been shown to have high infectious loads of RLW
Cleaning produce...you would THINK that has had sufficient research to answer... the research at UH that I know & have eaten with, that are doing the studies, all will only eat Hawaii produce that has been peeled or cooked, because they are not positive there has been sufficient research to advice a safe cleaning method...
ETA: Produce from other sources CAN BE INFECTED, if the produce is allowed to come into contact with slugs/snails....or in contact with active infected trails
This could occur in transport, or at the vendors, even at your house... (fruit, or the fruit in boxes/ bags left in contact with the ground, or near an area that slugs/snails travel...including over outside tables & benches at night
RLW cases have been traced to origin on three islands now: , Maui, Oahu & Hawaii Island
Mollusks that have infectious loads of Rat Lung have been found in EVERY COUNTY OF OUR STATE
Rats & parrots have both been shown to be hosts, there are now research questions on what other avian & mama sources COULD BE hosts
A wide variety of native & non-native mollusks have been found to carry RLW, including native partial, freshwater ophihi & there are now research questions on wether RLW could be found in brackish to saltwater mollusks, again, not enough research to state
Slime trails & minute bits of mollusks have both been shown to have high infectious loads of RLW
Cleaning produce...you would THINK that has had sufficient research to answer... the research at UH that I know & have eaten with, that are doing the studies, all will only eat Hawaii produce that has been peeled or cooked, because they are not positive there has been sufficient research to advice a safe cleaning method...
ETA: Produce from other sources CAN BE INFECTED, if the produce is allowed to come into contact with slugs/snails....or in contact with active infected trails
This could occur in transport, or at the vendors, even at your house... (fruit, or the fruit in boxes/ bags left in contact with the ground, or near an area that slugs/snails travel...including over outside tables & benches at night