African land snails present in baggage at Michigan airport

Six big African land snails have been discovered within the baggage of a traveler who flew to Michigan from the west African nation of Ghana.

The mollusks, which may carry ailments that have an effect on people, have been found and seized March 9 throughout an agriculture inspection at Detroit Metropolitan Airport in Romulus, U.S. Customs and Border Safety mentioned Friday.

The person transporting the snails is a resident of Ghana and mentioned they have been to be eaten. He was launched with out additional actions.

“It’s not unusual for vacationers to carry meals objects from their native international locations, which underscores the significance of the inspection course of upon arrival to U.S. ports of entry,” Customs and Border Safety spokesman Steven Bansbach mentioned. “This permits CBP officers and agriculture specialists the chance to find out whether or not these items are permissible or not, whereas mitigating the potential for public well being or environmental points.”

Big African land snails are prohibited in Michigan and the remainder of the USA. They eat a minimum of 500 various kinds of vegetation, together with plaster and stucco on buildings.

They develop so long as 8 inches (20 centimeters) and carry a parasite referred to as the rat lungworm that may trigger meningitis in people. In addition they can produce as much as 1,200 eggs a yr.

“Our CBP officers and agriculture specialists work diligently to focus on, detect, and intercept potential threats earlier than they’ve an opportunity to do hurt to U.S. pursuits,” Port Director Robert Larkin mentioned.

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