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| A New 'Flesh-Eating Parasite' Relative Has Been Discovered in Australia
A new study has discovered a new species of parasite living in Australia, which shares an evolutionary ancestor to a terrifying group of 'flesh-eating' parasites. The new parasite - Zelonia australiensis has recently been discovered in an Australian black fly species that bites mammals – including humans. Joel Barratt, a parasite expert at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), and the lead researcher behind the new discovery, says that although this species probably doesn't eat flesh, the finding shows that scientists need to be more aware of similar tropical diseases emerging in the region. "In conjunction with previous research, this study provides clues as to what these parasites are capable of. They have invaded new lands in the past, adapting to infect new species," he said. "This raises an important question: do human activities provide an increasing opportunity for human-infecting species to take up residence on Australian soil? We know this has happened for other parasites