APHIS Establishes Regulated Areas in Florida for Giant African Snail (Lissachatina fulica, formerly Achatina fulica)

FOR INFORMATION AND ACTION

 DA-2012-12

 April 13, 2012

 

SUBJECT: APHIS Establishes Regulated Areas in Florida for Giant African Snail (Lissachatina fulica, formerly Achatina fulica)

 

TO: STATE AND TERRITORY AGRICULTURAL REGULATORY OFFICIALS

 

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is issuing a Federal Order, effective immediately, which establishes regulated areas in Miami-Dade County in Florida for the giant African snail (GAS).

 

On September 9, 2011, APHIS confirmed the detection of GAS, Lissachatina fulica, in a residential area of Miami, Florida. Since the initial detection, APHIS has actively worked with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to conduct survey, regulatory, control, and outreach activities. While residential areas have been affected, to date, extensive surveys of nurseries and agricultural productions facilities within the infested areas have been negative for GAS.

 

The attached Federal Order outlines the safeguarding measures required for the interstate movement of regulated articles from the areas regulated for GAS. The requirements in the State’s interior quarantine for GAS are parallel to this Federal Order.

GAS is one of the most damaging snails in the world because it is known to consume at least 500 different plants including vegetables, fruits, and ornamental crops.

 

For further information, you may contact Robert Balaam, Eastern Regional Program Manager, at (305) 278- 4872, or Andrea Simao, National Program Manager, at (301) 851-2067.

 

/s/ Osama El-Lissy for

 

Rebecca A. Bech

Deputy Administrator

Plant Protection and Quarantine

Attachment (1)

-SPRO with Federal Order

• SPRO_DA-2012-12_GAS.pdf