APHIS Establishes Two Additional Regulated Area in Florida for Giant African Snail

(Lissachatina fulica, formerly Achatina fulica)

To: State and Territory Agricultural Regulatory Officials

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is notifying stakeholders of one new regulated area (Zone W) for giant African snail (GAS) in Miami-Dade County, Florida and one new regulated area (Zone X) in Broward County, Florida. Program personnel recently detected GAS in these areas that were outside of existing regulated areas in Miami. The revised map and description of the new regulated areas are posted at:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-health/gas-quarantine

In September 2011, APHIS confirmed the detection of GAS in a residential area of Miami, Florida. GAS is one of the most damaging snails in the world because it is known to consume at least 500 different plants including vegetables, fruits, and ornamental crops. Since the initial detection, APHIS has worked with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to conduct survey, regulatory, control, and outreach activities within the affected areas.

For further information, please call:

National Operations Manager Anthony Man-Son-Hing at 919-855-7331 or

National Policy Manager Charles Brown at 301-851-2119.

0