A neighbor of the missionary town of Eldorado found a giant african snail and the professionals of the National Service of Agrifood Health and Quality (Senasa) issued a alert after detecting several specimens of the invasive species.
It is considered as one of the 100 most harmful agricultural pests in the world. Depending on the organism, it can be a carrier of different diseases so it is recommended not to touch them. The presence of African snails can have consequences both from the point of view of health and the environment.
The discovery occurred in a small stream located on San Luis street at kilometer nine of the city. The technicians who toured the area captured 15 specimens to prevent dispersal.
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According to specialists, the first appearance of this specimen was in Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, in December 2010. Last year they were found in the municipality of Wanda.
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From Senasa they reported that it is considered a plague thanks to its playability and because it can cause serious damage to tropical ecosystems and crops.
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“This type of snail can be a carrier of nematodes (parasites) that are harmful to the Human health. Therefore, it is recommended not to touch them and handle them with caution. From the point of view of the environment they are also very harmful because due to their speed of reproduction and their lack of natural predators they can become a plague in no time. And as they grow very fast and eat anything, they can become a danger to crops, ”explained Emilio Rey, from Senasa.
What to do if you find a giant African snail?
– Do not touch them
– Avoid contact with the snail’s slime, especially with the eyes, nose and mouth.
– Wash vegetables with drinking water.
– If I touch the snail, wash my hands immediately.
– Do not eat them
– Do not use them as bait, pet or decoration.
– Do not use poisons against the snail, as they can affect children, pets or native fauna.
-Remove wood debris, construction materials, tiles or any element that can be used as a shelter for the snail from the gardens
– If necessary, take the snails with waterproof gloves, place them in a bag, crush them and bury them. Gloves should also be buried or burned
– Do not allow children to participate in the capture of snails.
– Do not transfer snails to other areas. Exercise caution when transferring plants or other household items where snails or their eggs could reside.
For complaints you must contact the telephone number Senasa: 0800-999-2386.