Have You Seen Giant Snails?

Both Wisconsin and Ohio reported the presence of multiple giant African snails (Achatina fulica) in their states. This is the second known importation of these snails in Wisconsin. These snails can cause extensive damage to agricultural crops and pose a risk to human health. These snails are illegal to possess in the U.S. under the federal Plant Pest Act and can reach 8 inches in length. These snails are considered serious agricultural pests in the U.S. and can consume over 500 different types of plants. Extensive damage could be done by the release of these species into the environment. 

These snails can also act as the vector for the rat lungworm (Angiostrongylus cantonensis) that can cause eosinophilic meningitis in humans. In both states these snails were brought into school classrooms by students. The snails may be given to students to take home at the end of a session.  It is believed that these snails are being sold illegally by pet stores, at swap meets or through exotic animal dealers. The Angiostrongylus parasite can be transmitted to humans by ingesting improperly cooked snail meat or by handling live snails and allowing their mucus to contact human mucous membranes such as those in the eyes, nose and mouth. Larvae can be identified in snail slime and feces. 

If you hear reports of any giant African snails in your jurisdiction please alert the local health department in your area.  The local health department should report the presence of these snails to the Illinois Department of Public Health.  The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) would pick them up if they were identified in the state. For additional information please visit the USDA website:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/gas/index.shtml

This snail has made it in the 100 worst global invasive species database. More about the snail can be found at:  http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=64&fr=1&sts=