Two giant African snails intercepted in Louisville
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists intercepted two giant African snails at the Louisville Port of Entry on 18 May 2023. The live snails were discovered at an express consignment facility during an inspection of a parcel arriving from Germany.
While intended for direct consumption, the snails pose significant health risks to humans and the environment and are considered an invasive species. The snails were seized for further analysis.
According to the USDA, giant African snails can carry a parasitic nematode that can lead to meningitis in humans and due to a voracious appetite, which includes at least 500 different types of plants, along with plaster and stucco, they can cause significant damage to structures and ecosystems. (cj)