HOUSTON – The United States Department of Agriculture found snails native to Texas during searches in Houston and Austin Wednesday instead of the potentially deadly giant African snails.
Giant African snails can carry a parasite called rat lungworm, a form of meningitis. Local 2 viewers said they saw the snails in west Houston and Katy, but the USDA said they were likely Rosy Wolf or Channel Apple snails.
The USDA is sending a team to Houston to confirm there are no giant African snails there.
If you think you've spotted one, call the Institute for the Study of Invasive Species at Sam Houston State University at 936-294-3788. For more information, you can also visit their website.