Educational institutions were using Helix aspersa (the Brown Garden
Snail) in educational programs for many years. New York State alone used
many thousands of snails per year in classrooms. A recent change in
regulations by USDA prohibits Helix aspersa in New York (and most
other states) because that species is a serious agricultural pest. This
prohibition leaves educational institutions scrambling to find other
allowable species of snails to use in their educational programs.
   USDA has provided a list of potentially allowable snails for various
states. Allowable snails in New York state include, among others, the native
Mesodon thyroidus, and the European Cepaea nemoralis. Carolina Biological
Supply is planning to raise native snails from eastern North America to
supply schools, but apparently USDA is considering requiring permits to move
even native species across state lines. Cepaea nemoralis is allowed in New
York State because it is already established and is not known to be a
serious agricultural pest, but this species wouldn't be able to cross state
lines without a permit, according to USDA regulations.
   To avoid permitting difficulties, my colleague Abby Bergman, who runs a
science education service in New York State, is looking for someone who
would be interested in raising a large colony of Cepaea nemoralis in New
York State, for profit. He already has over 60 snails collected locally and
would like to get about 15,000 snails per year.
   If you live in New York State, and you'd like to raise snails for New
York State school districts, on a for-profit basis, please contact Abby
Bergman (914-248-2336; email: [log in to unmask]).

Timothy A. Pearce, Ph.D., Asst. Curator & Head, Section of Mollusks
Carnegie Museum of Natural History 4400 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA
15213-4080, USA ph 412-622-1916; fax 412-622-8837
***** Note New E-mail: [log in to unmask] *****
"The views, opinions, and judgments expressed in this message are solely
those of the author. The message contents have not been reviewed or
approved by Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh."

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