Western Venezuela is witnessing an invasion of giant African snails that can transmit meningitis and crop plague, and its spread is likely due to the recent heavy rains in the region, local authorities and the non-profit Fundacion Azul Ambientalista reported on Friday. The government, according to a report by Agence France-Presse, and a video on its YouTube channel.

The first "colonies" of this type of southern desert snail, Achatina fulica, were discovered in November on the shores of Lake Maracaibo in the city of the same name, the capital of Zulia state.

Then additional foci of spread appeared in other areas of this state in western Venezuela, as well as in the neighboring state of Tachira.

Maracaibo Mayor Rafael Ramirez told AFP yesterday that "between 350 and 400 snails" gathered daily in some locations.

During an operation to combat this spread in the city witnessed by the French Press Agency, more than 437 giant snails were found within two hours.

Alerts about snails have been posted on social media, and the Maracaibo municipality has taken measures with the national government and the Zulia government to limit its spread.

Achatina snail is gaining attention from the cosmetics manufacturing sector (French)

Achatina snail saliva

Achatina snail has attracted attention from the cosmetics manufacturing sector due to the possibility of using its saliva in some of its products, and it has been in Venezuela since 1997. It had previously invaded some of its regions in 2017, but to a lesser extent, according to Jose Sandoval of Fundación Athol Impetalista.

"It will be complicated because this time the snails are large, mature and have laid eggs," he told AFP.

"We are facing an invasion (...) and therefore it is very difficult to eradicate it (...), but it is possible to control" its presence, he added.

Due to its ability to reproduce (up to 600 eggs every 15 days) and its average lifespan of up to 6 years, these snails are considered among the most invasive species that are harmful to crops and even human health, as they can transmit diseases such as meningitis.

Sandoval explained that the spread of these snails is caused only by the weather, explaining that it is due to the heavy rains this year.

The authorities of the US state of Florida complained last July of the invasion of these snails, which can reach a size of 20 centimeters.