In several European countries a warnings have emerged about invasive species that threaten agriculture and the environment. In Portugal, one of these cases is that of snail-work, a species considered dangerous for agriculture and public health, which is prohibited in the national territory, according to the Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary (DGAV). Authorities warn of the need to identify and destroy their eggs, easily recognizable by the pink pink.
A plague with high economic impact
Portugal has already advanced with preventive measures, prohibiting the entry, circulation and marketing of these snails. According to DGAV, the presence of these mollusks could severely affect national cultures, particularly in the Tagus Valley and bass Mondego, where rice production has great economic weight.
Exemplars of this species quickly consume aquatic plants and may compromise integer ecosystems. The European Union classifies the snail-work as one of the most dangerous invasive species in the world, demanding strict control in the Member States.
The danger hidden in eggs
One of the main ways to identify the presence of these snails, according to the same source, is through eggs. Females deposit pink or orange overpin masses in places above the water line, such as reeds, logs, stones or artificial structures. Each posture can contain hundreds of eggs, which explains the rapid expansion of the species when not controlled.
DGAV recommends that any citizen who finds suspicious eggs immediately contact local authorities. Destroying these postures is considered essential to prevent the spread of the snail-maation in the Portuguese territory.
Risk for public health
In addition to the economic and environmental impact, the caracol-maation also represents a health threat. It can act, according to, as an intermediate host of hazardous parasites, such as rat pulmonary worm (Angiostrongylus cantonensis), responsible for serious infections in the human being. Although the cases of contagion are rare, the recommendation is clear: never consume these animals.
The prohibition in force thus intends to protect not only agriculture and ecosystems, but also public health.
A warning to Portugal
Portugal has not, so far, records of massive caracol-mansion infestations. However, given the proximity to Spain, where the plague has already forced containment measures, the warning remains. Early recognition of eggs is one of the most effective tools for preventing their propagation.
The surveillance of farmers, fishermen and citizens in general is considered fundamental. The simple gesture of reporting or eliminating an egg posture can prevent this species from settling in the national territory.
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