First report of Achatina fulica in Italy
The NPPO of Italy recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first record of Achatina fulica (Gastropoda: Achatinidae - giant African snail) on its territory. In October 2018, 1 live and 1 dead specimen of A. fulica, as well as fragments of a shell (indicating the presence of a third specimen), were found in a small urban park of Ferrara (Emilia-Romagna region). These specimens had been spotted in the park by a citizen. Inspections carried out in the park and its vicinity did not detect other A. fulica specimens. No particular damage to plants was noted. It is supposed that these snails had been released in the park by a member of the public. As no further specimens could be found, no particular control measures will be taken, but surveillance will be carried out to verify the absence of A. fulica in this area.
The pest status of Achatina fulica in Italy is officially declared as: Transient, actionable, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Italy (2019-01).