A swift response by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s (DAFF) technical response team to reports of a possible exotic snail infestation at the Port of Brisbane has prevented a harmful plant pest from taking hold in Australia.

The technical response team leapt into action and, within hours of being notified of the potentially devastating infestation, were on site and immediately launched response activities.

Company staff working at an Approved Arrangement (AA) located at the port reported the detection. After reviewing images sent by AA personnel, the department’s entomology team identified the pest as likely being Bulimulus snails, commonly known as peanut or ghost snails. Morphological testing later confirmed this identification.

The technical response team conducted further surveillance in and around the affected area, including drains, garden beds, and a demountable building. Surveillance was later expanded to neighbouring properties, where additional specimens were found.

With guidance from the department’s exotic snail specialist, a targeted treatment plan was developed and implemented. To support ongoing monitoring, five snail traps were deployed, using fermented bread dough as bait. So far, more than 350 Bulimulus snails have been collected from multiple locations.

Bulimulus snails originate from the Caribbean, West Indies, and parts of Central America. In the southern US, where populations have established, there has been significant damage to citrus crops.

Like other exotic snail species, Bulimulus pose a serious threat to Australia’s biosecurity. More than 500 plant species, including fruit and vegetable crops, are vulnerable to infestation. These snails can also carry bacteria and parasites that pose health risks to people if handled without protection.

This incident highlights the critical importance of early detection and rapid response in managing biosecurity threats. If you see anything unusual, call DAFF’s See. Secure. Report hotline on 1800 798 636.

Bulimulus sporadicus has spread internationally by hitching rides on shipping containers and through illegal smuggling for the pet trade. Although it may cause some feeding damage to citrus fruit, this snail is mainly considered a nuisance pest – particularly because of its tendency to clog irrigation equipment and infrastructure.

In Florida, these snails have caused serious issues in citrus orchards by blocking sprinkler jets and drip emitters. The snails may also feed on fruit or tree trunks if the plant is already damaged by pests, disease, or physical injury. In fact, freeze-damaged citrus trees have been found infested with these snails – sometimes leading to trunk girdling.

How to identify Bulimulus sporadicus
Citrus growers – especially those in Queensland’s tropical and subtropical regions with links to the Port of Brisbane – should keep watch for this pest. Key features include:
• A slim, conical shell which darkens slightly toward the top; the body is tan-coloured
• Snails are usually under 30 mm long, and often much smaller
• Small, shiny white spherical eggs buried just below the soil surface
• Snails gathering in unusually large numbers, especially around irrigation