Be careful eating the giant invasive snails in swamps, Louisiana officials warn

Cajun food is known to be rustic, but Louisiana officials are suggesting caution when it comes to eating the giant invasive snails spreading in the state’s swamps.

The bayous have become a popular breeding ground for intimidating apple snails from South America, which can reach 6 inches in width.

Considering Louisianans enjoy everything from fried frogs to stewed alligator tails, an official warning seems appropriate, according to Louisiana State University’s College of Agriculture.

“While many adventurous Louisianians may be wondering how to best prepare the snails for dinner, people considering consumption of these mollusks should exercise caution,” the department wrote in a Sept. 9 Facebook post.

“The snails are edible when thoroughly cooked and properly cleaned by removing all intestinal material. However, raw or undercooked snails can contain rat lungworm, a parasite that can cause potentially fatal eosinophilic meningitis.”

Even handling the egg clusters can be risky, due to “a neurotoxin that irritates the eyes and skin,” the state says.

The warning racked up more than 2,000 reactions and comments within a day on social media, including some who seemed willing to take the risk.

“They taste good in crawfish boil seasoning,” Arief Harlan wrote.

“Pretty sure a good dressing would make them taste just fine!” Viktorija Teater posted.

“I bet they taste good with hot sauce,” Maggie Sisi Espinal-Jemison said.

Apple snails caught in Louisiana have indeed tested positive for rat lungworm, ”but no human cases have been identified” so far, the state says.

The pests started spreading in the United States “due to irresponsible aquarium dumping” in lakes, rivers and marshes, Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries reports.

Turns out the snails are “highly adaptable and able to survive drought and low oxygen conditions by burrowing in the mud in a dormant-like state,” the department says. They are now found in 30 of the state’s parishes, and among the clues are large “bright pink egg masses” seen clinging to plants and structures near water.

This story was originally published September 10, 2025 at 8:24 AM with the headline "Be careful eating the giant invasive snails in swamps, Louisiana officials warn."