It is promoted as a particularly suitable pet for people with animal hair allergies and does not make noise in the apartment. The East African giant snail (also called the large agate snail) is now also becoming popular in this country. However, experts view this trend with concern. As a new study shows, these mollusks transmit many diseases.
The nocturnal animals grow up to 20 centimeters in length and should be kept in a terrarium. Their menu consists of various fruits, vegetables, banana peels, beef and fish flakes. They are considered peaceful and sociable and like to live together in groups. Due to their simplicity, they are generally highly recommended as pets.
However, a new study has found that the giant snail poses a threat to human health. It is a carrier of at least 36 pathogens, two-thirds of which can also infect humans, according to research by the University of Lausanne in the journal “Parasites & Vectors”.
Rat lungworm causes meningitis
These include rat lungworm, a dangerous parasite that can cause encephalitis in humans. “Social networks are full of photos of people bringing the animal into contact with their skin or even their mouth,” said study leader Cleo Bertelsmeier, a professor at the University of Lausanne, in the university’s statement. It is believed that the snail’s mucus is good for the skin.
According to the university, the Lausanne research group has conducted the world’s first study that simultaneously quantifies the risk of invasion and disease transmission from the trade in this species as pets. To do this, the biologists used data from social networks to create a global map of the areas where the animal is in captivity and to assess the risk behavior of individuals.
Many people are unaware of danger
“If you go on social media you quickly notice that there are many owners of giant snails as pets (especially from Europe) and many seem unaware of the health risks they are exposing themselves or their children to when dealing with them get the snails, for example B. by putting them on their faces”. Lead author of the study Jérôme Gippet said this in the statement.
The East African giant snail, also called the agate snail, is considered particularly voracious, reproduces very quickly and poses a threat to agricultural land and biodiversity. Eating these invertebrates is strongly discouraged.
Source: Krone
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