Portions of Broward County, Florida to be quarantined to wipe out invasive snails

Florida agriculture officials are isolating parts of Broward County to clear out giant African land snails, an invasive species that threatens Florida’s agriculture and can cause meningitis.

Snails eat more than 500 species of plants and pose a threat to important agriculture in Florida. They carry parasites that can spread to humans and cause meningitis. They also eat plaster and stucco on buildings.

Shelled invertebrates were first seen on June 2 at Miramar in Broward County.

Quarantine means it is illegal to transport snails, plants, plant parts, soil, garden waste, rubble, compost, and building materials to designated areas without a compliance agreement.

Giant African terrestrial snails breed quickly. Each snail has male and female reproductive functions, laying more than 1,200 eggs per year and can lay up to 500 eggs in a single mating. After that, the snails can lay eggs every two to three months, according to the US Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

To get rid of snails, authorities use an aqueous solution partially saturated with the chemical metaldehyde. Metaldehyde interferes with the snail’s mucus production, resulting in poor digestion and locomotion in the snail.