Now, more than ever, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) continues to encourage anglers, boaters, and lake visitors across the State to help prevent the spread of invasive snail species, due to the recent discovery that these species can harbor a type of worm that can potentially cause illness in humans (if consumed).
The WRD first alerted us to the snails last summer. EARLIER STORY. POSTED JUNE 28, 2024: A ‘How to Report’ primer on those invasive Lake Lanier snails
In a recent cooperative study, WRD and Dr. Tyler Achatz’s parasitology lab at Middle Georgia State University, examined two species of invasive aquatic snails, the apple and mystery snail, for various parasites.
In this study, apple and mystery snails were collected from multiple locations around the state and tested for the presence of various parasites. Test results confirmed a low-level presence of rat lungworm (a parasitic nematode) in both snail species. This parasite can be transmitted to people when snails or slugs are eaten raw or undercooked.
What can you do to help control spreading it?
Prevention is the first and most important step to reducing the risk of invasive species establishing populations in Georgia waters. Taking time to thoroughly wash down your boat, trailer, and fishing gear after each outing on the water; choosing to not dump aquariums; or simply not intentionally releasing non-native species into waterbodies where they did not previously occur are just a few ways you can help.
There’s much more to this story here: Invasive Snails Can Harm Environment and Health | Department Of Natural Resources Division