Last year, we saw the invasion of the spotted lanternfly, and now there’s a new invasive species in Georgia to be on the lookout for: apple snails & mystery snails.
What are apple snails and mystery snails?
These two types of freshwater snails look very similar, but are not exactly the same. Apple snails are larger than mystery snails. You can recognize them by their swirly shells in the water.
Some people have used apple snails or mystery snails in freshwater tanks, but please note, it is ILLEGAL TO POSSESS EITHER TYPE OF SNAIL in Georgia.
According to a release by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources,
Apple snails are originally native to South America and mystery snails are native to southeast Asia, Japan, and Russia. But both species have been introduced into several states, including Georgia.
Why are these snails bad?
You’re probably thinking… okay, what’s the big deal?
According to 11 Alive,
A study on the two invasive snail types involved collecting samples from around Georgia and testing them for parasites. Those tests revealed the presence of rat lungworm, which previously had only been found one time in Georgia [in 2019].
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources says,
The likelihood of becoming infected with rat lungworm is very low. However, in extreme rare cases, infection may lead to eosinophilic meningitis, with complications including the possibility of death. While this newest discovery is alarming, the Centers for Disease Control website notes that the parasite does not replicate in humans and human-to-human transmission does not occur.
How does transmission from snails to humans happen?
Mostly, the Georgia DNR says, “this parasite can be transmitted to people when snails or slugs are eaten raw or undercooked.”
So as long as you’re not slurping down snails raw… you should be okay. But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t report snail sightings to protect our wildlife and ecosystem!
You can learn more and see how to report apple and mystery snail sightings here!
Stay safe, Atlanta… and leave those snails alone!