ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is issuing a warning due to the discovery of invasive snails harboring a potentially dangerous parasite in the state.
Invasive Snails and Rat Lungworm: A Growing Concern
The Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) of the Georgia DNR is urging caution among anglers, boaters, and lake visitors. A recent collaborative study with Dr. Tyler Achatz’s parasitology lab at Middle Georgia College found that both invasive apple and mystery snails in various locations across Georgia test positive for rat lungworm, a parasitic nematode.
This discovery highlights a significant health risk, as consuming these snails raw or undercooked can transmit the parasite to humans, potentially causing eosinophilic meningitis, a serious and sometimes fatal condition.
Understanding the Health Implications
While the likelihood of infection is low, the potential consequences are severe. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) emphasizes that rat lungworm does not replicate in human hosts, and there is no known human-to-human transmission.
The identification of rat lungworm in Georgia marks the second occurrence, first noted in 2019 in rats near the Atlanta Zoo. This is the first time the parasite has been found in invasive snails within the state.
Origins of Invasive Snails
Apple snails, native to South America, and mystery snails, originating from Southeast Asia, Japan, and Russia, have been introduced to Georgia in recent years. Both species are illegal to possess in the state as of 2023, but their presence continues to pose ecological and economic threats.
These invasive species can damage boats and boating equipment, hinder access to water bodies, and disrupt native ecosystems by outcompeting and displacing local species.
Steps to Prevent the Spread
Preventative measures are crucial to managing the threat of invasive species in Georgia waters. The WRD recommends:
- Thoroughly cleaning boats, trailers, and fishing gear after every use.
- Avoiding the release of aquarium contents into natural water bodies.
- Refusing to release non-native species into local water systems.
For additional information on invasive species and guidance on how to report sightings, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/ans.
To learn more about rat lungworm and its health impacts, consult the CDC at Rat Lungworm Disease (Angiostrongylus) | CDC.
Stay informed and take action to protect both Georgia’s natural resources and public health. We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below. Join our community for more updates and important news by subscribing to our newsletter and following us on social media.
