Posted on July 15, 2014 by Pest Alert
The Giant African Land Snail (GALS) continues to make news around the US. In an online article, the Independent describes the confiscation of almost 70 unwanted GALS at the Los Angeles International Airport in California:
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry (FDACS-DPI) and USDA-APHIS-PPQ officials continue to successfully eradicate GALS from Miami-Dade County, Florida, but all Florida suspect snail sightings should be reported to the FDACS-DPI toll-free helpline number: 1-888-397-1517. Eradication programs generally occur when a limited distribution, exotic pest threatens local and national agriculture or natural areas.
See this YouTube video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64eCuzQPSqQ
GALS has over 500 plant hosts, may transmit meningitis, and has caused damage to south Florida homes. As some of our native snails may resemble the younger or juvenile snails, it is important for the public to call the FDACS-DPI helpline if the snail is suspected. Florida agriculture is a multi-billion dollar industry, and we don’t want GALS to stay. Protect your yard, food supply, and support Florida and US agriculture by reporting suspicious snails.
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