Incursion of Pomacea canaliculata in Germany
The NPPO of Germany recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first finding of the golden apple snail Pomacea canaliculata (Architaenioglossa: Ampullariidae – EPPO A1 List) on its territory.
In August 2026, a private individual reported three specimens and one egg cluster in a small garden pond in the state of Sachsen. The snails had been transferred shortly beforehand from an aquarium to the pond, where feeding damage was observed on aquatic plants. The pest was identified in September 2026 by molecular testing by the National Reference Laboratory. Visual inspections were conducted by the NPPO of Germany around the pond and no additional snails or eggs were found. The three snails and egg cluster were removed. No demarcated area has been established. Further inspections are planned for 2027.
The NPPO of Germany considers that P. canaliculata cannot establish in this area due to cold winter temperatures.
The pest status of Pomacea canaliculata in Germany is officially declared as: Transient, actionable, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Germany (2026-09).