A Method of Securing Bacteriologically Sterile Snails (Australorbis glabratus).

Abstract

Details of a technique are presented by means of which newly-hatched, bac-teriologically sterile snails (A. glabratus) can be secured for study. Snail eggs containing mature embryos are separated manually from the egg-mass, disinfected externally with dilute sodium hypochlorite, and isolated in sealed tubes containing a suitable salt solution and antibiotics. Using this procedure, a 90 to 100% hatch occurs within 3 to 4 days of treatment, and tests have shown that only a negligible proportion are bacteriologically contaminated. Details of maintenance, behavior, and longevity of these snails are discussed.