Giant snail serious cause for concern

THE EDITOR: The giant African snail is one of the most invasive of its species. It not only damages crops but also poses a major health risk. Estimates suggest that it took ten years and approximately US$1 million to get rid of snails in Florida. This only provides evidence that it is indeed possible to eradicate them in our own country.

It is almost common knowledge that these snails cause damage to crops as they eat just over 500 types of plants including peas, beans and cocoa, to name a few. They can also cause damage to plaster and paint on stucco structures (US Department of Agriculture, 2021).

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, the agricultural sector contributed a massive $566.6 million or 0.4 per cent to the country’s GDP in 2017. Therefore it is a vital sector which is being severely affected. In the same report from 2017, this sector was the one which was expected to provide greater food security and increased revenue and a reduction on funds spent to import food.

In addition to this, there is even more cause for concern. These snails are also carriers of the parasite rat lungworm, which is known to cause meningitis in humans. Many are familiar with the word “meningitis” but not with its meaning.

Meningitis is the swelling of the membranes in the brain and spinal cord and can be caused by viruses, bacteria or fungal infections. In the case of the snail, it is caused by a rat parasite which resides in the faeces of rats. The giant African snail eats the faeces and the parasite can be spread to humans upon either eating the snail or any vegetation containing its slime.

Symptoms of meningitis include headache, stiff neck, vomiting, confusion, sensitivity of the eyes to light and paresthesia (a burning sensation felt on the body). Some have even experienced hearing loss, retinal detachment, upper respiratory symptoms, seizures and even death.

Evidently, this matter is more serious than it appears. There must be more done to control and get rid of this species as it poses a severe health risk to the population and is even a major problem for the largely-relied-upon agriculture sector.

VERONICA RAJAHRAM

via e-mail