Giant snails quarantined in Florida: they carry meningitis and harm plants

Some areas in Florida's Broward County have been under quarantine since June 20. Invasive giant African snails (Achatina giant) were discovered there, which are considered one of the most dangerous species. CNN.

Photo: IStock

Quarantine, объявленный June 20, was set after snails were found in the Miramar County area earlier this month, the Florida Department of Agriculture said in a statement.

Essentially, quarantine means that it is illegal to move the giant African snail or plants, including soil, compost and garden waste, into or out of the area without a compliance agreement from the Department of Agriculture.

According to a press release, the state Department of Agriculture plans to use a standard snail control methodology, which is metaldehyde-based molluscicide, a type of snail bait approved for residential use.

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Last year, the New Port Richey area of ​​Pasco County was quarantined after the discovery of snails.

What is the danger?

Giant African land snails eat at least 500 different types of plants, and they can chew through plaster, plastic trash cans, and even signs. Their calcium shells have sharpened edges sharp enough to cut through the tires of vehicles that run over them.

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"These snails have the potential to cause damage to Florida's agriculture and wildlife areas as they cause significant damage to tropical and subtropical environments," the state's Department of Agriculture said on June 20.

Snails also pose a risk to human health because they carry a parasite called rat lungworm, which can cause meningitis, according to the Department. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this condition leads to swelling of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

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