A community in Broward County, Florida, is under quarantine by state officials in a bid to eradicate a species of invasive giant African land snail that can transmit a parasite and that can also do untold amounts of agricultural damage.
The giant snails, which can grow up to 8 inches in length, were found in Miramar earlier in June, officials said. On Tuesday, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services ordered the community to be placed under quarantine, according to a news release.
The agency says the snail species, Lissachatina fulica, doesn’t only transmit the parasite, but it poses a significant threat to local agriculture, wildlife, and even property. The agency noted the species is “one of the most damaging snails in the world, consuming at least 500 different types of plants” and can reportedly eat plastic, street signs, stucco, and other inorganic material. Their shells are reportedly able to puncture car tires….