A giant snail swallowed a city in Florida and urged quarantine. (Credit: M-Production)

A giant snail that can grow to the size of a mouse has been found in a Florida town.

Invasive species native to Africa carry rat paragonimiasis which is known to cause meningitis in humans.

On June 23, 2022, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) confirmed the discovery of the Giant African Snail in the New Port Richey region of Pasco County.

The next day, the area was quarantined.

Unlike the Covid-19 Quarantine, this means residents are prohibited from moving plants, soil, yard waste, rubbish, compost, and building materials out of the designated area.

“The giant African snail is one of the most destructive snails in the world, consuming at least 500 plant species,” FDACS said.

The giant African snail can be seen in this photo taken from the Florida Department of Agriculture Division of Crop Industry on September 9, 2011. South Florida is battling the giant African snail epidemic, one of the most devastating infestations of the world. It grows like a mouse and can be chewed through plaster and plaster. Reuters / Sector / Florida Farm and Plant Industry Sector (US-Tag: Environmental Animals) This image was provided by a third party. It will be distributed as a service to customers as received by REUTERS. Use for editing purposes only. Not for sale in marketing or promotional campaigns.

This species was first discovered in Florida in 2011 (Image: Reuters)

Florida Department of Agriculture scientist Mary Yong Kong holds a giant African snail in her lab in Miami on July 17, 2015. The invasive species was discovered in Florida in 2011 and has cost authorities $10.8 million. till the date. Botanical detectives in Florida are following in the footsteps of a slippery foe, the invasive giant African snail. This is sneaky, it can get infected, and it can grow to the size of tennis shoes. In the four years since the giant African snail was discovered in Miami, they have slowly but surely spread to new areas from the southern suburbs to adjacent Broward County to the north. AFP PHOTO / KERRY SHERIDAN (Photo credits should read KERRY SHERIDAN / AFP via Getty Images)

Each snail can live up to 9 years and grow up to 8 inches, about the size of an adult’s hand (Image: AFP).

Snails cause enormous damage in tropical and subtropical environments and can have devastating consequences for local agriculture and natural regions.

The species was first discovered in Florida in 2011 and has so far cost authorities $10.8m (£8.9m).

FDACS.gov Science / 10974573 / Giant Snail

The New Port Richey area of ​​Pasco County, Florida is under quarantine due to the snail outbreak. (Credit: FDACS.gov)

These snails reproduce rapidly, laying about 1,200 eggs a year.

It is also difficult to eradicate because there are no natural predators.

Each snail can live up to 9 years and grow up to 8 inches, the size of an adult’s hand.

Giant African snail in the hands of a man. Giant African Frika Snail.

Imagine seeing some of them slithering around your backyard. (Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Last week, the USDA began treating the pests with a pesticide called metaldehyde, which is known to control snails and slugs.

The owner of the treatment area shall be notified directly or by notice of the planned pesticide treatment at least 24 hours in advance.

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