A new invasive outbreak of giant, disease-carrying snails is threatening Florida‘s crops, experts say.
The giant African land snail is finding itself right at home in the Sunshine State, whose hot and humid climate resembles the species’ tropical Nigerian habitat. (Related: “Giant Snails, Once a Delicacy, Overrun Brazil.”)
Now found throughout the world, including the contiguous United States andHawaii, these invasive plant-eaters pose a particular danger in Florida because of its vibrant agricultural industry.
“We’re producing food that the nation depends on … [and this snail] eats 500 different plants, including pretty much everything that grows in Florida,” said Mark Fagan, a spokesperson for the Florida Department of Agriculture.
“This is not something we can walk away from. These snails are a major threat to Florida’s agriculture.”
