Invasion of giant African land snails prompts quarantine in south Florida

Officials set up ‘treatment area’ in Miramar and warn residents the creatures also pose a health risk by carrying a parasite

An invasion of giant African land snails has alarmed residents in south Florida, where authorities have established a quarantine area to try to deal with the destructive pests.

The invasive snails have voracious appetites and consume at least 500 species of plants, according to Florida’s department of agriculture, which is fearful for the state’s lucrative growing industries of citrus and other fruits and vegetables.