What Is Rat Lungworm?

A man in Australia has died from rat lungworm after eating a garden slug which was infected with the disease, eight years ago. Rat lungworm is a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by a roundworm parasite that, in adult form, is normally only found in rodents. However, an infected rodent can pass on the larvae through their faeces, with slugs and snails sometimes becoming infected if they consume it.