Giant African Land Snail

The giant African land snail is one of the most damaging snails in the world, consuming at least 500 different types of plants. These snails could be devastating to Florida agriculture and natural areas as they cause extensive damage to tropical and subtropical environments. The snails also pose a serious health risk to humans by carrying the parasite rat lungworm, known to cause meningitis in humans. Giant African land snails are illegal to import or possess in the United States without a permit.

If you see one of these snails, contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' (FDACS) Division of Plant Industry helpline at 1-888-397-1517.

Public Health Information

Giant African land snails pose a serious health risk to humans by carrying the parasite rat lungworm, known to cause meningitis in humans. The snails should not be handled without proper protection and sanitation.

• Fact Sheet on Rat Lungworm Parasite [ 167.3 kB ]  (Florida Department of Health)
• Rat Lungworm Information (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Snail Identification

Think you found a giant African land snail? Refer to the ID sheet below. Still not sure? Email a photo for identification to DPIHelpline@FDACS.gov.

• Snail ID Sheet [ 1.6 MB ]  (FDACS)

USDA Resources

• General Information About Giant African Land Snails (USDA)
• Giant African Land Snail ID Card [ 683.1 kB ]  (USDA)
• Giant African Land Snail Pest Alert [ 845.4 kB ]  (USDA)
• Giant African Land Snail Survey Report [ 2 MB ]  (Florida Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey)