Giant African land snails that could carry parasites that cause meningitis in humans have been discovered in yards, prompting authorities to take action.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and its Division of Plant Industry have established a quarantine and treatment area in Broward County, Florida, in response to the detection of giant African land snails in Miramar.
The giant African land snails, notorious for their destructive appetite, have been wreaking havoc on over 500 different plant species.
With Florida's lush tropical and subtropical environments at stake, the snails pose a significant threat to agriculture, pets and humans.
The quarantine prohibits the movement of these snails or regulated articles within or from the designated area without a compliance agreement.
Regulated articles include plants, plant parts, soil, yard waste, debris, compost, or building materials.
The giant African land snail is known for being highly destructive to plants, posing a significant threat to agriculture and natural areas in Florida.
They can cause extensive damage to tropical and subtropical environments and they could also carry the rat lungworm parasite, which can cause meningitis in humans.
To combat the infestation, FDACS will use a metaldehyde-based molluscicide, commonly known as snail bait.
Residents and businesses in the quarantine area are urged to comply with the regulations and cooperate with authorities to prevent further spread.
Importing or possessing giant African land snails without a permit is illegal in the United States.
Residents in the area expressed their surprise and concern upon discovering giant African land snails on their properties.
One resident, Vivian, came across a snail without realizing the potential danger it posed.
Trevor Smith, a representative from the FDACS, stressed that the giant African land snails pose a threat not only to agriculture but also to human health.
“I just assumed it was a big snail. Not thinking anything of it,” she told 7News. “I was a little bit scared, like, ‘Where did they come from?'”
Another resident, Kiwana Jones, said she accidentally stepped on one of the snails and became alarmed.
She said: "We accidentally stepped on one of the snails, and I was like, ‘What is this?'And then we kind of turned around and there is like a whole area over there with snails. Like the size of your wrist, like literally."
And added: "I have a dog, I have children, I have a neighbour next door who does a lot of gardening, and I kinda look out for him, and he is always digging. My first thought was safety."
