Florida battles a pest that it eradicated in 2021 spending $23 million. Find out what it is
Giant African snail
Slow and steady wins the race. But, in this case, slow and steady is leisurely destroying Florida's gardens. The giant African snail, which is also potentially dangerousto humans, has re-invaded a southern US state. For about a month now, since June 23, employees of Florida's Department of Agriculture have been scouring the gardens of New Port Richey, a small community in Paso County on Florida's west coast where the invasive species has spread.
Talking to AFP, one of the department biologistsJason Stanley explained the snail "feeds on over 500 different species of plants" anda single big African snail may produce up to 2,000 eggs a year, which when combined with its huge appetitecould be disastrous for the state's thriving agriculture industry.
Watch |How are Vienna's snails reclaiming their culinary fame?
"Another issue with this snail is that it carries the rat lungworm, which can cause meningitis in humans," said Stanley, adding,"we're concerned with that being in our environment".
Earlier in 1975 and again in 2021, other regions of Florida successfully exterminated the big African snail.The latter operation, which took place in Miami-Dade County and cost $23 million, lasted for ten years.
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
‘Italy will not...’: Meloni threatens Spain’s Schengen access after thousands enter Ceuta from Morocco
)
World's largest digital camera captures over 500,000 galaxies, 50,000 stars in one stunning image
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
)
Who is Ruchika Singh, booked for using foul language against PM Modi at Jantar Mantar protests?
)
'I was almost trafficked in Paris,' says Australian woman, shares terrifying ordeal - 'I am on the black market'
)
Why did India turn down the US offer for F-35 fighter jets? EXPLAINED
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
)
'Muslims should not befriend kaafirs': Pak Army DG says India-Afghan ties that of 'master-slave'
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
August 2025 movie release calendar: Toxic, Batwara 1947, Awarapan 2 and all big-ticket films hitting theatres
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 bowlers in latest ICC ODI rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Can an S-400 detect a bird?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Fifth-generation fighters': Can the S-400 shoot down an F-35?
)
'FIR not withdrawn' against Noida teen who 'abused' PM Modi despite apology, claims CJP
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 openers with fastest ODI centuries, check who tops list
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why are iPhones so expensive compared to Android phones?
)
At least 3 killed in mass shooting at Idaho restaurant, shocking video of gunman open firing with AR-style rifle surfaces
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters in latest ICC ODI rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
)
CJP's Abhijit Dipke speaks to protesting students in Jharkhand, extends support to their demands: Will he go to Ranchi?
)
‘Pakistan eroded India's faith bit by bit’: Indian envoy defends putting Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance
)
What’s happening in Nepal? How did a local clash turn into communal violence? WION Decodes
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
7 longest flights in the world - Singapore, Qantas, Qatar and others
)
Bomb-making note found at Ayodhya medical college, 1st-year student detained. Here’s all we know
)
Have 7,000 Karnataka students tested positive for HIV? Here's the truth
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 bowlers in latest ICC Test rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters in latest ICC Test rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian tanks are much lighter compared to US tanks
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
One S-400 battery, dozens of targets: How it fights an air battle in seconds
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
From Tom Holland-Zendaya to Blake Lively-Ryan Reynolds: Actors who met on sets and fell in love and married
)
From trash to energy: Scientists turn plastic waste into Hydrogen fuel using a new technique - Here's how
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian jets use heavier steel compared to US jets
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New OTT releases this week (August 3-9, 2026): Main Vaapas Aaunga, Uyir, Operation Safed Sagar- 6 titles coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian fighter pilots wear blue flight suits compared to US pilots
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How often does an S-400 need maintenance?
Thanks to snail-sniffing canines more than 1,000 gastropods have already been caught in the current "snail hunt".
Authorities in Florida think someone brought the eastern African snail home as a pet, which is how it was reintroduced to the state.
In order to try to stop the snails from spreading further, the Florida Department of Agriculture has established a quarantine zone within New Port Richey, fromwhere no plants or other vegetation may be removed.
Theyare also using metaldehyde, a pesticide that is safe for both humans and animals, to eradicate the giant snails
(With inputs from agencies)
Watch WION LIVE HERE:
You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.
