Emily Chan
Furthermore, nutria can carry various pathogens and parasites, affecting public health and safety. The rodents serve as hosts for tuberculosis and septicemia, which are threats to people, pets, and livestock.
In addition, nutria carry tapeworms, blood and liver flukes, and a nematode that can cause a rash known as “nutria itch.” These organisms are found in nutria waste, which can contaminate drinking water and swimming areas.
Wildlife officials have instituted control programs to try to stop the nutria from causing further damage. The most successful effort to date has been in Maryland. In 2002, the mission to remove nutria from an area of 800 square miles began.
In 2006, the eradication zone was expanded. Over the course of 12 years, tens of thousands of nutria were eliminated from nearly half a million acres. Their reduced population size had an immediate positive effect in the regions they invaded, demonstrating that less nutria meant less marsh damage.
Today, the area is still being monitored to confirm the absence of the nutria, and similar efforts are underway in states like California.
