Florida Goes Into Quarantine After Invasion Of Giant African Snails In Famous City
- The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) confirmed the sighting of giant African land snails in the New Port Richey area
- Christina Chitty, the public information director at FDACS, highlighted the health hazards the snails pose to humans due to their ability to carry meningitis-causing parasites
- The illegal pet trade is responsible for the increase in the snail population, as it is unlawful to own these snails as pets within the United States
- Residents are advised to refrain from touching the snail without wearing gloves and call FDACS hotline to report sighting
Florida is on high alert as an invasion of giant African land snails has triggered a quarantine in Miramar.
Source: UGC
Invasive species
The Florida Department of Agriculture confirmed the presence of these snails.
Authorities are scrambling to tackle the destructive pests and protect both the environment and human health from potential risks.
According to Guardian, a treatment area has been set up covering several dozen blocks of the city of Miramar, South West of Fort Lauderdale, in a bid to contain the spread of these slimy invaders.
Residents are being urged to remain vigilant as these giant African snails not only wreak havoc on plants and vegetation but also carry the rat lungworm parasite, which can cause meningitis in humans.
Quarantine order
In order to stop the continued spread of the issue, a stringent quarantine order has been implemented.
This order clearly prohibits the transportation of giant African land snails, along with regulated items such as plants, plant parts, soil, yard waste, debris, compost, and building materials.
Authorities have planned to apply a chemical called metaldehyde, which is approved for residential use, to the affected area as a snail bait.
“The goal is to eradicate the snails. It is a comprehensive and extensive process,” said Chitty.
Meet the pretty young lady who has ventured into snail farming
In a previous story, YEN.com.gh reported that many tertiary graduates complain of minimal job openings to appeal for; therefore, unemployment keeps soaring.
The story differs for Maame Serwah, who has seen beyond becoming an employee and has set up her own snail farm.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
