As they develop rapidly and produce large numbers of offspring, the giant African land snail is recognized as a serious pest organism affecting agriculture, natural ecosystems, commerce, and human health.
Dr. Adolfo Calcena head of the Regional Sanitary Office in the city warned that the snail is poisonous and can transmit meningitis, bronchial disorders, encephalitis plus other serious contagious diseases.
Elio Mendoza from Paraguay’s Veterinary Services called on parents to watch out for the children that in summer months go around barefooted and could easily be infected by the giant snails. Adult snails have a height of around 7 centimeters and their length can reach 20 centimeters or more.
Mendoza said that his office suspects the snails were brought from Sao Paulo in Brazil for Paraguayan restaurants, and were later abandoned when it was discovered not only that they reproduce rapidly but are venomous.
However squashing or burning them is not recommended since they reproduce very fast, are hermaphrodites and lay anywhere from 100 to 400 eggs.
Mendoza said that special teams with members from the ministries of Health, Environment and Veterinary Services will be checking along the coast of the Paraná River since it is feared they could have quickly adapted to the ecosystem. (mp)