Skip Navigation

Parts of Broward County under quarantine due to giant African land snails

www.nbcmiami.com Quarantine zone established after giant African land snail spotted in Broward County

The snail is one of the most invasive pests on the planet, causing agricultural and environmental damage, according to the FDACS.

Quarantine zone established after giant African land snail spotted in Broward County

The snail can grow up to eight inches long, and can potentially carry the parasite rat lungworm, which may cause meningitis in humans and animals. The snail should not be handled without gloves because of the meningitis risk.

The snails can lay over 2,500 eggs in just one year, making the population difficult to contain. Florida has successfully eradicated the giant African land snail twice before, in 1975 and 2021.

12
12 comments
12 comments