Malacological surveys were conducted in Belo Horizonte with a view to obtain new data on the distribution and density of schistosomose bearing snails and their natural rate of infection by Schistosoma mansoni. Of 3.261 Biomphalaria glabrata collected during 1979-81, 100 (3,1%) were found naturally infected. One hundred and two water collections were surveyed and 36 (35%) were found harboring the mentioned snail species (23 of them in the watershed of Pampulha, 13 in the tributaires of the Arrudas creek). The species B. tenagophila was found in two waterbodies, and B. straminea in two other. Other snail species collected were Pomacea haustrum, Physa sp and Drepanotrema cimex. Data of this survey were compared with data published in 1967 and 50% reduction in the snail breeding places was observed. This reduction was due mainly to public works and engineering activities accompanying the growth of city. Schistosomiasis is still present in the periphery of the city and only engineering works will be able to eliminate this health problem.