Tiny flatworms were found inside several dead otters
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A fragile otter population in Somerset is under threat by a parasite spreading illness, conservationists have said.
Tiny flatworms have been found in post-mortem examinations carried out on several dead otters during the past year.
Experts believe the parasites are weakening the mammals and contributing to their deaths.
With only about 70 otters left in the area, there are fears this could be a significant threat to the species.
Aside from the parasitical threat, road traffic presents the biggest greatest for otters in Somerset.
New measures to eliminate the risks at the worst road crossings are being carried out by the Environment Agency and the Highways Agency.
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