Giant African snail - Lissachatina fulica
Effective: August 21, 2014
Taxonomic Position: Stylommatophora : Achatinidae
Pest Type: Gastropods
Pest Code (NAPIS): IGDBABA
This pest is a member of the following surveys: Mollusk
These Approved Methods are appropriate for: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014
Pest Information
CAPS Pest Datasheet: https://download.ceris.purdue.edu/file/3610
Pest Tracker: https://pesttracker.org/pest/IGDBABA
Human and Animal Pathogens Transmitted:
Aeromonas hydrophila, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, and Angiostrongylus costaricensis. Achatinids can also carry other diseases that affect humans and animals, including the bacterium Aeromonas hydrophila.
Pest Pathogens and Organisms Vectored:
Lissachatina fulica has been implicated in the transmission of the plant diseases Phytophthora colocasia, Phytophthora palmivora, and Phytophthora parasitica. However, the relative importance of Lissachatina fulica as a transmission agent in the epidemiology of these diseases under usual cropping conditions has not been well established (Raut and Barker, 2002).
Survey

Approved Method(s)
Method Detail NAPIS Survey Method
Visual See the visual inspection excerpt from the guidelines. 3031 - General Visual Observation

Survey Recommendations
The following are recommendations for executing the survey using the approved methods for pest surveillance. The recommendations are developed through literature review and consultation with subject matter experts.
Key Diagnostic or Identification

Approved Method(s)
ID/Diagnostic:
Morphological: All specimens should be submitted to Dr. David Robinson:

David Robinson
1900 Ben Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103
267-251-0063
David.G.Robinson@aphis.usda.gov
Mistaken Identities:
Present in U.S.: Euglandina rosea and Orthalicus spp.
Not Present in U.S.: Achatina achatina, Archachatina marginata, and Limicolaria aurora
References
  1. Raut, S. K. and G. M. Barker. 2002. Achatina fulica Bowdich and other Achatinidae as pests in tropical agriculture. In G. M. Barker (Ed.), Molluscs as Crop Pests, 55-114. New York: CAB International.

If you are unable to find a reference, contact STCAPS@usda.gov. See the CAPS Pest Datasheet for all references.