The prevention and awareness work with the community has been vital to control the species.

 

By: Communications Equipment

In order to cope with the proliferation of African snail (Achatina fulica) in the region, Regional Autonomous Corporation of La Guajira- Corpoguajira- He has been carrying out a campaign of awareness to the community on issues related to risks to human health and environmental damage generated by this species. One of the actions is ahead snail collection in conjunction with affected communities.

The latest operation was carried out in the Tablazo ( San Juan del Cesar), and areas of influence of Protective Forest Reserve Manantial de Cañaverales, spreading prevention measures and control over the damage caused to public health, in the environment and agriculture; caused by the invasion of this mollusc.

Technical inspection and study by specialists of the Corporation, It indicates that this species has spread throughout the urban and rural areas, multiplying in winter times. Therefore, actions that generate the significant decrease in African snail in La Guajira are ahead.

It also has trained the community on issues of reproduction and development cycle snail, as well as the risk factors affecting the health of human beings in case of manipulation of the animal and empowerment in the collection and destruction of the species through the formation of committees of community support, to monitor the process and sustainability.

The giant African snail is a mollusk that is among the 100 most harmful invasive species in the world, which can measure up 20 cm long, It adapts to any means by which inhabits gardens, Scavengers and crops. You can invade forests and nature reserves destroying the ecosystem, and competing with native species; They can even eat excrement.

It has been proven, This species can be mechanical vector of parasites, viruses and bacteria which can be disperser diseases like rodents and some insects. angiostrongyliasis abdominal transmitter and eosinophilic meningoencephalitis or meningitis is considered.

Corpoguajira invites the entire community, especially minors, avoid handling these animals without proper supervision of specialized staff. In case of an emergency or want any inspection visit, through contact numbers 310 6581142, 318 5858383 and 300 6008358.