According to a press release from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FACS), officials have set up a quarantine zone in Florida following the giant snail infestation.

Broward County officials announced Tuesday that they are isolating the rapidly breeding giant African land snail after it was first sighted in Miramar on June 2. according to 6 South Florida.

Snails and plants within the quarantine are not allowed to enter or leave the border of the quarantine without first obtaining a compliance agreement from FACS. The purpose of quarantine is to facilitate the elimination of alien species by FACS. (Related: Detroit Metro airport staff find 6 giant African snails in travelers’ suitcases)

The giant African land snail is considered one of the most deadly snails in the world and can eat at least 500 species of plants. according to FACS announcement.

Officials are concerned that the snails are damaging Florida’s agriculture and biodiversity as they can destroy the state’s tropical and subtropical environments. According to a press release, snails also pose a health risk to humans as they can carry the parasite rat lungworm, which can cause meningitis.

Giant African land snails have invaded Florida twice in the past, according to Another press release from FACS. The first invasion he occurred in 1969 and was eradicated in 1975. The second will conclude in 2021 in response to an invasion that began in Miami-Dade County in 2011.

Giant African snails previously culled in South Florida had “dark brown shells and grey-brown flesh,” the agency said. Those from Paso County have brown shells and “milky flesh” that vary from dark to light.

According to the FACS, it is illegal to transport or possess snails in the United States without a permit.