Invasive snails prompt quarantines in Florida counties.
Parts of South Florida have been placed under quarantine to prevent the spread of giant African land snails, which can cause extensive damage to agriculture and wildlife. The snails, which can grow up to 8 inches long and lay up to 1,200 eggs per year, were first discovered in South Florida in the 1960s and were eradicated at a cost of $1m. They reappeared in 2011, leading to a 10-year campaign costing almost $23m. The quarantine prohibits the removal of the snails from the designated area and the relocation of plants, soil, compost, yard waste and debris that could harbour the snails or their eggs.
