Full Version: African Land Snails
does anybody else have the little sweethearts ?
Never heard of them. YOu got some pictures of them?...
Hmm I dont know what to think about these snails as they are linked to a very real health risk...I personaly would not own them but every one to their own..and also this species is ilegal in a lot of countrys...but check out the net yourself this is a link to just one news item
http://www.fftimes.com/print_version.php/14211
Linda
http://www.fftimes.com/print_version.php/14211
Linda
Yes I have heard about the detrimental effects of the snails. I'm finding things people have said:
USDA:
http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-...93931--,00.html
http://www.manandmollusc.net/GALS.html
http://www.local10.com/news/3299736/detail.html
Sorry to shoot down your idea.
QUOTE
Also a quick note about the giant african snails. They actually aren't illegal because of disease. I'm sure the lawmakers used the old "disease ridden animal" ploy to get the law passed though. They are actually illegal because of the immense agricultural threat that they pose. Some got loose in Florida a while back and with in a few short years they were destroying crops. I cost the state of Florida about $10 million to get rid of them. A lot of people just don't see how a snail can be that much of an agricultural problem so by playing up the disease card you can get the law passed that much easier.
USDA:
QUOTE
No live snails may be brought into the mainland United States without a permit obtained from USDA. In 1966, a small boy brought two giant African snails into Florida from Hawaii. He eventually discarded them, and shortly thereafter these voracious consumers of foliage and fruit were infesting a 16-block area near his home. It took years and half a million dollars to eradicate them.
To request an application and permit information, write USDA, APHIS, PPQ, 4700 River Road, Unit 133, Riverdale, MD 20737–2346, Attn: Permit Unit.
USDA regulations regarding the importation of live snails can be found in Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 330.200.
To request an application and permit information, write USDA, APHIS, PPQ, 4700 River Road, Unit 133, Riverdale, MD 20737–2346, Attn: Permit Unit.
USDA regulations regarding the importation of live snails can be found in Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 330.200.
QUOTE
Giant African land snails are illegal in the US and many other countries due to their potential as a devastating invasive species. While they are legal pets in a few places, under no circumstances should they be kept as pets where illegal to do so, and they should also never be released into the wild. They are also prolific breeders so if you have more than one you also need to be extremely careful about disposing of the numerous eggs produced.
http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-...93931--,00.html
http://www.manandmollusc.net/GALS.html
http://www.local10.com/news/3299736/detail.html
QUOTE
Any species of Giant African Land Snail is illegal in the USA and those found with them could face a fine of up to $1000.
Sorry to shoot down your idea.
Never mind the "little darling"....Love my plants too much!....
So, reading through the article, they can be found in Hawaii though? Thats where the boy apparently had them from....
So, reading through the article, they can be found in Hawaii though? Thats where the boy apparently had them from....
Maybe they were illegally imported to Hawaii? I mean, I don't think Brigs are legal there because they eat the sugar cane (not sure on that one) so it doesn't follow logic that they would be allowed there and other less harmful species wouldn't.
as i'm not planing on breeding tham or relaseing them into the wild so they are of no threat to mainland england !! (but seeing them eat you can see how they could cause truoble 
)
hi pheonixx
the health risk you were chatting about is that if they were released ? or is there another one i havent heard about ?
i am awere that some people do silly things like the farmer who took 20 rabbits to auss and let them loose on his farm (something for him to shoot at aparently!!) but you cant blame the rabbits
)hi pheonixx
the health risk you were chatting about is that if they were released ? or is there another one i havent heard about ?
i am awere that some people do silly things like the farmer who took 20 rabbits to auss and let them loose on his farm (something for him to shoot at aparently!!) but you cant blame the rabbits
If im not mistaken you could have these guys in canada,because of
the hard winters ect ect they would most probly die i guess.
These guys are very great pets to bad that they are illegal in some places... hmm
the hard winters ect ect they would most probly die i guess.
These guys are very great pets to bad that they are illegal in some places... hmm
Hi Padda's pal love...how's it going
I have been reading a bit about different snails and had comes across information on the african land snail after seeing them on e bay here in the UK..here's just a bit of what I found.....
Although the ecological impact is the main concern with the giant African snail, they are also capable of carrying organisms that can cause illness in humans. One such organism is a parasitic roundworm that can produce a rare form of meningitis (inflammation of the brain lining). These organisms can be transferred by ingesting improperly cooked snail meat or by handling live snails and allowing their mucus to contact human mucous membranes such as those in the eyes, nose, and mouth. Anyone handling these snails should wear latex gloves and thoroughly wash hands.
I think if you dont take any risks handeling them and keep to strict hygene you should be fine...I dont have little kids anymore mine are grown up but I do have grandchildren and I would be worried if they touched them but you know what kids are like for not washing etc LOL..if they got
I would blame myself so I am carefull what I let them do...I hope this makes sense I guess what I am saying is if you have them dont let anyone near them but yourself...also I can get throw away gloves from work...if you want me to send you some pm me your addy and size and I will send you some..I use them all the time when rooting around in my snail tanks.. 
love Linda
I have been reading a bit about different snails and had comes across information on the african land snail after seeing them on e bay here in the UK..here's just a bit of what I found.....
Although the ecological impact is the main concern with the giant African snail, they are also capable of carrying organisms that can cause illness in humans. One such organism is a parasitic roundworm that can produce a rare form of meningitis (inflammation of the brain lining). These organisms can be transferred by ingesting improperly cooked snail meat or by handling live snails and allowing their mucus to contact human mucous membranes such as those in the eyes, nose, and mouth. Anyone handling these snails should wear latex gloves and thoroughly wash hands.
I think if you dont take any risks handeling them and keep to strict hygene you should be fine...I dont have little kids anymore mine are grown up but I do have grandchildren and I would be worried if they touched them but you know what kids are like for not washing etc LOL..if they got
I would blame myself so I am carefull what I let them do...I hope this makes sense I guess what I am saying is if you have them dont let anyone near them but yourself...also I can get throw away gloves from work...if you want me to send you some pm me your addy and size and I will send you some..I use them all the time when rooting around in my snail tanks.. love Linda
hiya pheonixx . . . . . going well thanks hows you
i was quite surprised reading your last text as before i got the snails i reserched them and found nothing on risks to owner,
so i reserched them again and still have only found that they are as dangous as all other pets but with less chance of getting a bite !!
there was one site from georgeia which was doing some scare mongery !!
as a rule i wash my hands before/after touching them as with all pets except dogs !
ps thanks for the kind offer of gloves
i was quite surprised
reading your last text as before i got the snails i reserched them and found nothing on risks to owner,so i reserched them again and still have only found that they are as dangous as all other pets but with less chance of getting a bite !!
there was one site from georgeia which was doing some scare mongery !!
as a rule i wash my hands before/after touching them as with all pets except dogs !
ps thanks for the kind offer of gloves
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