Giant snails measuring over 20 cm long have prompted a quarantine in a town in Florida, USA.
According to the Daily Mail (UK), these giant snails are an invasive species, a mollusk from the land snail family originating from Africa, carrying rat lungworm parasites that can cause meningitis in humans.
This species of snail carries lungworm parasites, causing meningitis in humans. (Photo: Getty Images).
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) confirmed that these creatures were first spotted in Port Richey, just north of Tampa, on June 23. The area was placed under quarantine the following day. However, unlike COVID-19 lockdowns, residents are only prohibited from moving plants, soil, yard waste, garbage, compost, and construction materials out of the area.
FDACS describes this species as one of the most harmful invasive organisms on the planet, causing significant agricultural and environmental damage wherever they appear. They can consume over 500 different types of plants and can even eat wall plaster and concrete, damaging infrastructure.
This species of snail was first discovered in southern Florida in the 1960s. Officials reported that it took nearly 10 years and $1 million to eradicate them. These snails reproduce rapidly, laying about 1,200 eggs in a year.
FDACS stated: “Each snail has both male and female reproductive organs. After mating, each can lay between 100 to 500 eggs. They can lay multiple times without needing to mate again, producing egg clutches every 2 to 3 months.”
This species is also very difficult to eradicate because they have no natural predators. Each snail can live up to 9 years and can grow to lengths exceeding 20 cm, nearly the size of an adult hand.
Authorities are attempting to control this harmful species using metaldehyde pesticides. This pesticide is safe for vegetables, crops in fields or greenhouses, and fruit trees.
