A giant African land snail.
INVASIVE SPECIES
Protection By Alex Lucas, Communications Coordinator
FLORIDA’S CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENT create a diverse array of wildlife. Many species flourish here but can also become a nuisance or worse. The scale of global trade and transportation can sometimes ferry unwanted passengers to Florida’s communities. When they arrive, the state’s quality of life and ecological systems can be placed at risk. These invasive plants, animals and microbes can destroy food production, as well as edge out native plants and wildlife. Trevor Smith, director of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Division of Plant Industry (DPI), said, “On average a new invasive pest or disease is introduced in to the state twice a month.” An example of this risk is the giant African land snail, introduced into Miami-Dade County in 2011 and considered to be one of the most damaging snails in the world. 10
FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JULY 2019
These pests attack more than 500 different crops, including fruits, vegetables, peanuts, avocados and ornamental plants. The snail not only harms our state but also poses a serious health threat to humans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these creatures can carry parasites, salmonella or encephalitis. Homeowners are victims of this pest as well, as it has a proclivity for eating stucco siding on houses. Since 2011, Florida has spent millions of dollars on the giant African land snail eradication program. Rapid breeding makes the snails difficult to eliminate. A single snail can deposit more than 1,000 eggs a year. However, because of diligent efforts of DPI, the end of the snail’s residency in
the Sunshine State is in sight. “We’re on the verge of eradicating this pest for the second time since 1966,” said Smith. DPI, as the plant-safeguarding authority of the state, has the task of identifying, tracking and eradicating invasive species once they enter the state. The agency’s staff inspects and certifies all of the state’s 15,000 plant nurseries and garden centers for pest and disease compliance. “There are many pests and diseases in this state along with thousands of interceptions at the ports and interdiction stations. We constantly look at pathways and are pro-active in surveilling areas that are high risk,” added Smith. The Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey or CAPS program identifies these pathways for pests and diseases and helps determine the risk for entry into the state. This is a joint effort between DPI and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and
