Solomons confirms presence of Giant African Snails

Updated October 16, 2008 11:40:07

Solomon Islands Agriculture Quarantine authorities have now confirmed the presence of the destructive Giant African Snail outside of the capital, Honiara. Quarantine Chief Technical Officer, Francis Tsatsia says the presence of the snail pest has now been confirmed at Fox Wood on North Guadalcanal. The Giant African Snail feeds on more than 500 plant species and can grow to more than 20 centimetres long. The snail pest poses a serious threat to Solomon Islands' food security, but the agriculture quarantine authorities hope to contain and eradicate it. But Mr Tsatsia says he's not aware of claims that a large number of Giant African Snails were collected by villagers in North-East Guadalcanal last week.

Sam Seke
Speaker: Solomon Islands Agriculture Quarantine, Chief Technical Officer, Francis Tsatsia.