Cernuella spp. are known to vector Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (cat lungworm), Brachylaima cribbi (intestinal fluke)* and Dicrocoelium dendriticum (lancet fluke). They can also transmit Cystocaulus ocreatus, Muellerius capillaris, and Neostrongylus linearis to livestock.

Cernuella virgata is an intermediate host of Davainea proglottina, which can infect chickens. Cernuella virgata is also implicated in protostrongylid transmission affecting livestock.

*This parasite can infect humans

Not known to vector any pathogens or other associated organisms.

Negative data for the genera Cernuella, Cochlicella, and Monacha can be entered at the genus level if no individuals of that genus are found in the sample and if the sampling method used will capture individuals of that genus if they are present in the environment from which that sample was taken. All species of these genera are exotic and not native to the U.S. All positives, regardless of genus, must be reported at the species level; no positive entries at the genus level are allowed.

Morphological: All specimens should be submitted to David G. Robinson / Francisco J. Borrero. They are able to identify (even immature specimens) to the species level for this genus.

David G. Robinson / Francisco J. Borrero
USDA APHIS PPQ PHP National Identification Services
National Malacology Laboratory
Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103-1101
Ph.: 215 299-1175
Fx: 215 567-7229
e-mail: david.g.robinson@usda.gov; francisco.j.borrero@usda.gov

Cernuella virgata closely resembles the white Italian snail (Theba pisana) in appearance and pest status as well as Candidula intersecta.

It is also similar to Helicella bolenensis, Cernuella neglecta and Cernuella aginnica, none of which are known to occur in the United States.