Bilharziella polonica

This schistosomal species parasitizes in the mesenterial veins and in the vena portae of goose, ducks, and other water birds. Intermediate hosts are Planorbarius and Planorbis snails. Infections of birds lead to symptoms of schistosomiasis. In case that cercariae of this species enter the skin of humans, they induce a disease called “swimmer’s itch” or “cercarial dermatitis,” which is characterized by itching inflammations and reddening at the penetration sites. The adult worms in final hosts are only 2 mm in length and occur in birds in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.