BREAKING: Part of Florida County Placed Under Quarantine

Part of Broward County (Fort Lauderdale area) went into quarantine Tuesday due to a recent sighting of a giant African land snail.

“On June 2, 2023, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) confirmed the detection of giant African land snail in the Miramar area of Broward County. This detection was reported to the FDACS Division of Plant Industry Helpline,” the quarantine order read.

“On June 20, 2023, FDACS’s Division of Plant Industry enacted a quarantine and started the treatment process to eradicate this detrimental agricultural pest. FDACS will treat properties with a metaldehyde-based molluscicide (snail bait). The treatment is labeled by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for residential use,” the order continued.

INVASIVE SPECIES ALERT: The Florida Department of Agriculture ordered parts of Broward County to quarantine Tuesday after the invasive African land snails were found in the Miramar area. See which areas are being quarantined in the story below. https://t.co/BCFs0IDzJW

— WPLG Local 10 News (@WPLGLocal10) June 20, 2023

Today, we announced that a quarantine and treatment area has been established in specific areas of Broward County in response to previously detected giant African land snails. Learn more: https://t.co/Mp9asgef33 pic.twitter.com/twSIDsnhwx

— Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services (@FDACS) June 20, 2023

CBS News reports:

The quarantine order took effect Tuesday and applies to a section of Broward County, where Fort Lauderdale is located, covering around 3.5 square miles. Inside its boundaries, the order means it is illegal to move a giant African land snail or any “regulated article,” including, but not limited to plants, plant parts, plants in soil, soil, yard waste, debris, compost or building materials, either within or outside of the quarantine area without first obtaining a compliance agreement, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

People and organizations looking to acquire a compliance agreement for certain commercial purposes, like selling plants, landscaping or trash pickup, can request one by contacting the agency.

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The agriculture department’s Division of Plant Industry enacted the quarantine after confirming earlier this month that a giant African land snail was spotted in the Miramar area of Broward County. The order will remain active while officials from the plant division treat properties with a metaldehyde-based molluscicide — snail bait that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has labeled for residential use — in hopes of eradicating the pest, the department said.

“Starting at the intersection of Pembroke Road and South University Drive, proceed south on South University Drive to NW 215th Street. From this intersection, proceed east to SW 62nd Avenue. At this intersection, progress north to Pembroke Road. The quarantine will proceed west on Pembroke Road to its intersection with South University Drive,” the quarantine order read.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) shared further details about the treatment in the quarantine order:

Metaldehyde is a pesticide used to control snails and slugs and is approved for use in a variety of vegetable and ornamental crops in the field or greenhouse, on fruit trees, small-fruit plants, in avocado and citrus orchards, berry plants, banana plants and in limited residential areas. Available products can be applied as granules, sprays, dusts or bait pellets. Applications are typically made to the ground around the plants or crops to be protected.

Property owners inside the treatment area will be notified in person or by posted notice at least 24 hours in advance of the planned pesticide treatment.

Metaldehyde works by disrupting the mucus production ability of snails and slugs. This reduces their digestion and mobility and makes them susceptible to dehydration. Snails and slugs that have eaten metaldehyde often seek hiding places, become inactive and begin to die within days.