Why Every Snail Farm Needs a Veterinarian

Much attention is given to breeders, nutritionists and agronomists, but one critical player that often goes unnoticed is – the veterinarian. Meet our veterinarian, Andrea Klingelhoeffer! She is responsible for making sure our snails are healthy and receive the right nutrition to guarantee top-quality snails.

The overall health and welfare of the snails at Namsnails is of top priority. Although snails are small, they present a complex health challenge that requires specialised knowledge. To ensure that our snails are healthy, diseases must be diagnosed before becoming a problem. This can only be done with the help of our veterinarian. The involvement of a veterinarian in food snail production may seem very unusual, but in fact the benefits are the same as for all other animal production facilities by ensuring a safe final product for the consumer.

Possible ailments that snails may suffer, include fungal and bacterial infections, weak shells or deformities, parasitic infestations or nutritional deficiencies. Snails are delicate and therefore are slow to show signs of illness and therefore diagnosis is vital. To detect these ailments, the veterinarian must perform microscopic exams, analyse mucus and faeces samples and recommend appropriate treatments once a disease is detected.

Not only does our veterinarian make sure our snails are healthy, but she is also involved in developing and enforcing food safety regulations to guarantee the snails are of good quality. On the farm, we are also conducting tests on the shells of the snails to gain a better perspective of what nutrients are missing. Proper nutrition is vital, and our veterinarian will also advise on balanced diets to prevent malnutrition.

 At NamSnail, this is achieved through regular visits that involve parasite screenings, necropsies and specific laboratory tests. The diseases focused on are not just those that affect the snails themselves, but also illnesses that have the potential to be transmitted to humans. Veterinarians play a crucial role in making sure our farm runs smoothly. With her help, we can implement the appropriate treatments and control diseases, while also monitoring the overall health and welfare of the snails, which ultimately ensures a superior final product.