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Abstract
The giant African snail (Achatina fulica Bowdich) was introduced into Trinidad in
October 2008. Immediately the government embarked upon an eradication programme using
USDA's "New Pest Guidelines: Giant African Snails" as a guide. By 2012 the pest was well
distributed throughout the highest populated districts of the Diego Martin Valley. The main
components of the eradication programme were public awareness, surveillance and chemical
treatment. These activities by 2012 targeted four (4) core zones and eighteen (18) satellite
areas. A. fulica continued to be successfully confined to the Diego Martin Valley. The rest of the
island and Tobago were pest free. The data received from the collection of snails (live and
dead) between October 2008 and December 2012 showed an annual increase until 2011,
followed by a marked decrease (50%) in 2012. The decline in snail populations in 2012
occurred despite high rainfall, flooding and an increase in satellite areas. This decreased
resulted through increased surveillance and baiting. Throughout the duration of the programme
the total number of snails collected was 34,747 by the end of 2012. An average of 8.2 times
more snails were collected in the wet season than in the dry season. The hotline call response
methodology acted as a detection system for the pest in Trinidad and Tobago. All valid calls
received were investigated and all positive results were within the Diego Martin Valley. The total
expenditure from 2009 to 2012 amounted to $6,080,000.00. The total average annual expense
for that period was $1,520,000.00. Recommendations made included the continuation of night
surveillance and the incorporation of specialized teams.