Parts of Broward quarantined as authorities address giant African land snails
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – The Florida Department of Agriculture and its Division of Plant Industry has declared the establishment of a quarantine and treatment zone in designated areas of Broward County following the detection of giant African land snails.
The 3.5-mile stretch of Miramar in Broward County, situated approximately 11 miles west of Hollywood, was announced to be undergoing the application of a molluscicide containing metaldehyde.
This measure aims to eradicate any presence of giant African snails following the discovery of at least one specimen in the area earlier this month.
While residents within the treatment area have the freedom to relocate without restriction, they are prohibited from transporting any plant-related materials that may potentially contain eggs of the giant African land snail.
“Under the quarantine, it is unlawful to move a giant African land snail or a regulated article,” the Department of Agriculture said in a statement. “Including, but not limited to, plants, plant parts, plants in soil, soil, yard waste, debris, compost or building materials, within, through or from the defined quarantine area without a compliance agreement.”
Giant African land snails are recognized as one of the most destructive snail species globally and pose significant risks to agriculture and human well-being.
These snails harbor the alarming rat lungworm parasite, capable of causing meningitis in humans.
Additionally, they possess a voracious appetite, capable of devastating vegetation, as they consume over 500 different plant species.
The snails also reproduce extremely rapidly at a rate of approximately 1,200 eggs per snail, annually.
In December, a section of Lee County on the west coast was placed under quarantine after the discovery of these large snails. This incident occurred six months after a similar occurrence took place in Pasco County.
The implementation of the Broward County quarantine marks the third instance of quarantine imposed in Florida within the past year.
