Customs officials at an American airport got more than they bargained for when they found 67 live giant Snails (African Giant Snail). The snails were confiscated July 1 and a sample was sent the next day to a federal mollusk specialist in Washington, D.C., who identified them as a prohibited species. The U.S. Department of Agriculture incinerated the snails after they were inspected.
Those were the words used to describe the event that happened on 1st July, 2014. Customs officers in the United States of America found 67 live giant snails in a passenger’s luggage. They later confiscated and burned those snails because they have been banned in the United States.
Why The United States Govt. Banned African Giant Snails
The African giant land snails (Archachatina marginata, Achatina achatina and their family members) are delicacies in many African nations, especially the West African countries. So, it would come as a surprise that some countries could see them as a threat to their own survival. If you are interested in knowing the reasons why the the US Government banned the African snails, then you should read on.
1. They are carriers of a Parasitic Nematode
The African snails carry a parasitic nematode that can be a vector for meningitis in humans. The snail acts as an intermediate host between the parasite and its natural final host in rodents. Unless we eat snails raw or undercooked, one should not be in danger of these nematodes and ultimately, meningitis.
In places where the snails are eaten, they are usually well cooked and even fried. Hence, the danger of the nematodes causing diseases in eaters of these snails is not even there.
Law remain law. They have there reasons which you have clearly stated in the article. Any goods not wanted are confiscated and burnt that is the law. Unless in certain parts of West Africa I believe they would probably take the snails home among themselves and eat them. But it is a criminal offence to do so. Once everyone in Nigeria can obey and abide by the laws governing this great Nation I believe that must contraband goods will seize or reduced drastically. Even fake drugs, foods, expired goods like tires and other commodities find there way to Nigeria and people are deceived in buying expired goods and we say we are our brother’s keeper Hmmm the heart of man is desperately wicked we should all look inwardly because this life is not ours but a gift to be part of this wonderful world and beyond. We say in this is that law is law and the USA have clearly shown time without number how to practice such laws.
Thank you for your contribution. Well written and you have made very good points.
To me the best option should had been adopted. To cook it very well before eating it.
Given a choice, wouldn’t be better to kill these snails, clean and preserve (freeze) n hygienically prepare it,instead of outrightly destroying the snails? Should I say, it’s a case of one man’s meat is another man’s poison.
well, their reasons are no reason at all. I think science said snail is high in nutrition?
sneaks that are dangerous to man are not eradicate but snail that are high in protein are being eradicated. they know what they are doing
they are only deceiving themselves
Welll, the deed has been done already. As a farmer, I rear snails in captivity and process them directly before marketing them. I am happy they are prolific and good foragers, however, that decision to destroy them is too rash. Considering their economic and health advantages, that action was brutal. They could have been sent to a farm/depot and raise them or monitor the business process that brought them in the first instance. If the vendor that shipped them in operates well, he’s not just making his money, his generating revenue to the US too. Or, would they say s/he doesn’t pay taxes? As much as the government protects the citizens, they should also protect the business of the citizens. That’s my candid submission.