Giant Snails Invade Florida. They Are Dangerous to Humans

In Florida St the alert goes off for the invasion of giant snailsThe animal comes from theAfrica and is capable of destroying plants and cultivated lands, but it can also be very dangerous for humans because it is capable of transmitting a parasite, called mouse lungworm, which can cause meningitis in men.

The discovery of the first specimens was made in mid-June; subsequently the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) confirmed that the population of these animals was rapidly growing and ordered the quarantine throughout the area of New port richey, and in the county of I graze.

According to the authorities of the Florida St Quarantine was necessary because these specimens of African origin are a serious problem for plants and cultivated fields, and above all a serious risk for humans as the giant snails carry a parasite, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, also called mouse lungworm, which is the most common cause of meningitis eosinophilic.

They can grow Fino a 20 cm long height, more or less like a medium-sized mouse; and always according to theFDACS can produce up to 2.500 eggs per year which make their proliferation uncontrollable. For all these reasons in the United States Giant African Land Snails they are illegal.

But even though they are illegal, some people still manage to get hold of them; however, when the owners get rid of them or accidentally lose them, they can become a serious problem, becoming in fact uncontrollable. They can even reach “eat" even painting and stuccoing of houses as a source of calcium.

Although local Florida authorities have begun to eliminate the invasive giant snail species using pesticides, it will take at least three years to complete the entire operation.