Autochthonous Rat Lungworm Angiostrongylus cantonensis Infections in Accidental and Definitive Hosts, San Diego, California, USA

Key Points

• Angiostrongylus cantonensis infections pose emerging risks to both animal and human health in San Diego.
• Infections were observed in a parma wallaby, Virginia opossums, and roof rats, highlighting diverse hosts.
• Assessment of animals revealed significant concerns related to central nervous system disease associated with the parasite.
• The findings suggest heightened awareness and further investigation is needed regarding angionstrogylus infections affecting local wildlife.