Modern heliciculture must provide the consumer with quality snails that have passed rigorous quality control examinations. One of the most important risks according to national regulations is the contamination with pathogens. In Galicia, there have been significant economic losses due to the presence of pathogens in mixed systems. More specifically, the current guides to good hygiene practices in heliciculture include control methods to avoid the contamination with parasites. Parasitological infection has been associated with a decrease in the mollusks weight, delays in maturation and reproductive failure. Our project aims to carry out a parasitological study of commercial snails, to evaluate the risks to human health. Our long-term objective is to enhance the quality of the snails produced in the Balearic Islands.
What objectives do we pursue?
The objectives of this project are 3:
Which methodology will we apply?
We will carry out a parasitological analysis of snails from helicicultural farms and local markets. Using molecular tools, we will identify the different species of parasites that are present in Mallorcan edible snails. This information can be later used to design a diagnostic test to be used in private and governmental laboratories. We will identify the critical control points in snail farms to minimize the risk of contamination.
Cornu aspersum “garden snail” is the most consumed snail species in the world. In the Balearic Islands this species is raised in intensive (closed areas) and extensive (open field) farms.
We want to show that Mallorca has been carrying out high-quality research that demonstrates the commitment of Balearic institutions to providing high quality commercial snails to the consumer.
Project financed by the Agricultural and Fisheries Guarantee Fund of the Balearic Islands (FOGAIBA)
