Authorities in Pasco County urged the public to report sightings of the snails and have issued a wanted poster. Described as “one of the most noxious snails in the world,” African giant snails can pose a serious health hazard and are illegal to possess in the US without a permit. However, authorities in Pasco County say one or more of the bombed gastropods have been located and efforts are underway to contain the problem. “These snails could be devastating to Florida’s agriculture and natural areas as they cause widespread damage in tropical and subtropical environments,” the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs (FDACS) said in the warning. “Snails are also a serious risk to human health as they carry the rat lung parasite, which is known to cause meningitis in humans.” There is a quarantine in the county, which prohibits the movement of snails, “plants, parts of plants, plants on the ground, soil, yard waste, debris, compost or building materials” outside the area without a permit. In addition, authorities use snail bait to try to catch or kill the slippery pests. This is not the first time Florida has been hit by a snail outbreak. Growing up to eight inches in length, snails are native to East Africa but are popular with some exotic pet owners. Despite being famously slow-moving, they can produce up to 2,500 eggs per year, making population control difficult. Authorities say it could take three years to eradicate the snail population in Pasco County. Christina Chitty, director of public information at FDACS, told CNN that the new snails likely came from the illegal pet trade. “The goal is to wipe out” the snails, Ms. Chitty said. “It’s a comprehensive and extensive process.”
