The town of New Port Richey in Florida has been put under quarantine due to the presence of giant African Land snails, an invasive species. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services imposed a land-based quarantine to prevent the spread of these snails. Residents are not allowed to take any plants, soil, yard waste, debris, compost, or building materials out of the town to avoid transporting more snails.
Although these giant African land snails are not directly harmful to humans, they pose significant risks such as agricultural damage and the spread of diseases. These snails are known to devour various plants, posing a threat to agriculture. Furthermore, they can carry a parasite called rat lungworm, which can lead to meningitis in humans.
The Agriculture Department is actively working to track down, contain, and eradicate the giant African land snails in the town. Property owners requiring pesticide treatment will be notified 24 hours in advance for necessary precautions. The FDACS emphasized that these snails are destructive and have a wide appetite for over 500 types of plants.
