Experts are warning that cases of a rat-borne disease that can cause lethal infections in humans are growing in dogs in eastern Australia.

Rat lungworm disease, or angiostrongylus cantonensis, is caused by a parasitic worm naturally found in rats and spread by snails and slugs.

It can become a source of disease to humans and dogs.

“In both dogs and humans, the parasite infiltrates the brain, yet unlike in rats where it advances to the lungs, our immune system destroys it in the brain,” explained Phoebe Rivory, who has submitted her PhD thesis at the University of Sydney’s School of Veterinary Science.

“It is that overt immune response that causes severe headaches and sensations.”

The disease can cause severe meningitis that requires specialist treatment.

In rare instances, it can be fatal. 

NSW Health regards rat lungworm disease as an “extremely rare infection”. 

It advises people not to consume raw snails or slugs, to wash all fresh produce before eating and to wash their hands after gardening or handling snails or slugs.