Pasco County, Florida is now under quarantine. But this isn’t because of Covid-19… it’s because of giant snails.
The African Land Snail has been spotted in the New Port Richey Area. After a significant number of sightings occurred, the country is locking down to eradicate the pest.
These snails are no joke. According to Local 10, a native Florida, these snails can grow up to 8 inches long, lay 2,500 eggs a year, and will eat the paint off of houses. This is the third time in the last 50 years that these snails have caused problems in Florida, and both times they were eradicated.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) advises all people in the county not to interfere with plants or soil in the area. Citizens are also asked to call FDACS if they see any snails. These snails carry rat lungworm, a parasite that can cause meningitis. Because of this, the county is planning on spraying pesticides in the snail-populated areas.
The reason that these snails are invading the county is likely due to the illegal pet trade. Pet owners who enjoy having exotic animals may have illegally imported these snails into the country.
While it may be an obscure example, this snail invasion shows why a well-enforced border is so important. Border protection is more than preventing illegal immigrants from entering the country. It is also about making sure we know everything coming into our country including people, drugs, and animals… including snails.
