A land-dwelling snail species not previously found in the West was recently discovered about 20 miles southeast of Great Falls.

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed Aug. 9 that the newly discovered species are eastern heath snails (Xerolenta obvia), a species native to eastern Europe that spreads by attaching to cargo containers or other conveyances used in international shipping.

Xerolenta obvia is one of several snail species identified by USDA as a potential pest of U.S. agriculture, and control measures are recommended. State and federal officials are surveying the surrounding area to determine the extent of the population and what actions might be appropriate.

Eastern heath snails were found in 2001 near a heavily trafficked shipping area in Detroit adjacent to Ontario, Canada, where a larger population of the snails exists. The snails lay eggs in the soil, infest a wide range of plant species including beans, peas, grapes and weeds, and can contaminate other crops such as grass hay and grain.

For more information, visit online at www.mtagalert.org, call the USDA Plant Protection and Quarantine office in Helena at 406-449-5210 or call the Montana Department of Agriculture’s Pest Management Bureau at 406-444-9430.