#Florida city under #quarantine after deadly #GiantAfricanSnail detected

Story by Katherine Donlevy, June 20, 2023

"State officials placed part of a Florida city under quarantine Tuesday as they race to eradicate the invasive, parasite-carrying invasive giant African snail.

"The 3.5-mile section of #Miramar in #BrowardCounty — located just 11 miles west of Hollywood — will be covered in a metaldehyde-based molluscicide to exterminate the insects after a giant African snail was found in the area earlier this month.

"Residents will be able to move out of the treatment area freely but are prevented from moving any plant-based supplies that could harbor the mammoth mollusk’s eggs.

“Under the quarantine, it is unlawful to move a giant African land snail or a regulated article, including, but not limited to, plants, plant parts, plants in soil, soil, yard waste, debris, compost or building materials, within, through or from the defined quarantine area without a compliance agreement,” the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced.

"The agency confirmed that a giant African snail — which can stretch up to 8 inches long — was spotted in the area in June, prompting an increased survey.

"Giant African snails have been contended as 'one of the most damaging snails in the world' for their threat to both agriculture and human life. The invasive Giant African land snail carried the rat lungworm parasite that can induce meningitis in humans."

@Some_Emo_Chick thanks for sharing. It took Miami 10 years to try to eradicate the negative effects of the #snails that got loose there. And I guess they are still spreading. #giantafricansnail

The much maligned Giant African Snail (Lissachatina fulica), is urban Mumbai's largest land snail.

This naturalised species, which is a minor pest in city gardens, is also an all important scavenger, recycling detritus, and enriching top soil.

📸 8 SEP 2020 (18:30 hrs. approx.), at the #Mumbai Port Trust Botanical Garden, South #Bombay, #India.

#mollusc #molluscs #Mollusca #snail #snails #SnailsOfMastodon #giantafricansnail #Gastropods #gastropod #gastropoda #wildlife #urbannature