Nutria or Coypu

I agree Asergio, I find it very interesting that our different locales have such different views on this critter. From my area, I do believe they damage marsh but I sometimes think it is a partial effort to divert attention from other issues that also cause marsh damage but are less popular to fight against because of economical reasons. I did come across this searching for disease info: "Nutria carry a number of parasites and diseases. Disease agents Louisiana nutria carry include Toxoplasma gondii, Clamidia psittaci, Francisella tularensis, Leptospira sp., and encephalomyocarditis virus. Parasites recorded from this species include trematodes such as Heterobilharzia americana, Echinostoma revolutum, and Psilostomum sp., cestodes such as Anoplocephala sp., acanthocephalans such as Neoechinorhynchus sp., and nematodes such as Trichostrongylus sigmodontis, Logistriata maldonadoi, and Trichuris myocastoris. In addition, they carry the nematode Strongyloides myopotami, which causes a condition known as "marsh itch" or "nutria itch" in people. This is a severe rash often affecting trappers when they handle nutria. It is caused by the larval form of this nematode which penetrates the skin of human beings." (http://www.iisgcp.org/exoticsp/nutria.htm) I looked up a few and most seem like virus and parasite type associated with contaminated drinking water. They are semi-aquatic so in an area where there is a more limited supply of water maybe contamination is a concern? Then again it could be just to prevent them from spreading further into the US.?

@asergio That seems to be about the same array of predators we have here with the exception of anacondas. I would think alligators would keep them in check here at least to some extent. @Emma That's interesting to know. Partially what sparked my interest in these critters is tomorrow they will have a Nutria rodeo. The article I read also mentioned showing people how to cook the critters. I'm guessing whatever diseases they carry maybe a specific issue in your area and doesn't make their meat inedible. Thanks for the info!

Thank you both for the additional info! Can you elaborate on the type of natural predators they have there?