ASSESSMENT OF THE GIANT AFRICAN SNAIL (ACHATINA FULICA) ERADICATION PROGRAMME IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO 2008 - 2012

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