CityNews – The New Guinea Flatworm has been found in San Phi Suea, with officials suggesting the worm invaded several years ago but have only become known about after a media exposure.
A number of New Guinea Flatworms were found in the garden of a 52 year old man in San Phi Suea earlier this week. The worms were confirmed by the Biology Department, Faculty of Science Chiang Mai University.
According to the Biology Department, the worms are only dangerous if consumed alive. There has been reports that the worms are dangerous to touch, but they suggest that that is not the case unless they come into contact with mucus membranes. The bigger concern is about how invasive the worm is as it eats snails and earthworms and could have a damaging effect on the ecosystem.
If you find the worm – a leech like flatworm with a black body and a white underbelly – it is advised you kill them with fire, salt or boiling water. If they are cut, they can grow into a new worm from the separate pieces. They are also able to breed and reproduce without a mate.