Risks of Giant African Land Snails: Why They Are Prohibited in the U.S. [Video]

Here’s the scoop!

• Six giant African land snails were found in the luggage of a traveler from Ghana at Detroit Metropolitan Airport in Michigan.
• The mollusks can carry diseases that affect humans and were seized during an agriculture inspection.
• Giant African land snails are prohibited in Michigan and the rest of the United States.

Six giant African land snails were discovered in the luggage of a man who had flown from Ghana to Michigan. The snails were seized during an agriculture inspection at Detroit Metropolitan Airport due to the potential health and environmental risks they pose. Customs and Border Protection spokesperson Steven Bansbach emphasized the importance of the inspection process upon arrival to U.S. ports of entry to prevent public health or environmental issues.

The man transporting the snails claimed that they were intended for consumption, but he was released without further actions. The snails are not only prohibited in Michigan and the …