The National Service of Health and Agri-Food Quality (SENASA) confirmed the appearance of the African giant snail (Lissachatina fulica) in Argentina. It was in the town of El Soberbio, in the Guaranà department, Misiones.
It is considered one of the most dangerous pests in the world. As confirmed, it was detected in the last weeks of the month, following a report to the health authorities.
They immediately went to the site to verify the presence of this invasive species.
Alert for the African giant snail: the damages it causes
The presence of the African giant snail can have serious implications for public health and agriculture. This triggered a call to action to prevent its spread and mitigate its effects in the country.
This pest, considered one of the most dangerous in the world, can reproduce rapidly and adapt to various climates.
For this reason, SENASA intensified its call to the community to report any sighting of the species immediately. It is essential to avoid direct handling of the specimens to prevent health risks.
The situation in Misiones
What the African giant snail looks like.
The agency, together with local authorities, collected and eliminated more than 80 specimens following strict health protocols.
These actions included the use of disposable gloves and safe procedures to prevent the spread of the pest, while ensuring the proper disposal of the remains.
The Lissachatina fulica not only ranks among the top agricultural pests in the world due to the damage it causes to crops, but it also represents a significant health risk.
What the African giant snail looks like and what it causes
The African giant snail is native to Africa and has spread to various parts of the world, including Latin America, due to its ability to adapt to different ecosystems and its high reproductive rate.
It is one of the largest terrestrial snails in the world and is known for its size, rapid growth, and negative impact on ecosystems.
This snail is capable of transmitting parasitic diseases that affect both humans and animals. This raises concerns in rural and agricultural communities where it is detected.
SENASA disseminated preventive measures, urging to avoid handling the snails or allowing contact with their slime, which can be a disease vector.
Warnings about the pest.
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