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2010-03-23 04:42:47 - Biological Hazard - Fiji EDIS CODE: BH-20100323-25425-FJI
Date & Time: 2010-03-23 04:42:47 [UTC]
Area: Fiji, , Statewide, Not confirmed information! Description: Fiji biosecurity officers based at the Suva wharf intercepted a live giant snail from a vessel that arrived from its Pacific voyage on March 2. Director of Biosecurity services Ilaitia Boa said they took action following detection of the snail by thoroughly inspecting the vessel, cargo and containers at the Suva port before the vessel was allowed to discharge its cargo and containers. Boa said the snail is not present in Fiji and its presence could cause significant economic losses for horticultural production. “The snail grows up to 30 centimeters and weighs about one kilogram and is known to eat around 500 species of plants,” he said. “The snail originates from East Africa and is now present in most Pacific island countries and is one of the world’s most destructive pests of fruits and vegetables.” Boa added that apart from causing serious damage to crops and environment, the giant snail also carries the lung worm parasite which can infect humans and cause meningitis. “People can become exposed to the parasite by eating raw or improperly cooked snails,” he said.
The name of Hazard: Giant African snails
Species: Animal
Status: Confirmed
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