Oak Processionary MotH discovered in Ireland
There has been a confirmed interception of Oak Processionary Moth (Thaumetopea processionea) pest, which has been found very recently in a public park in Dublin. The single nest found on one tree has been removed and destroyed, the wider intensified survey has not yielded additional findings to date. This is the first finding of this pest in the island of Ireland. Ireland has a protected zone under EU legislation for this pest and we are the last EU Member State to be free from this harmful organism. A Protected Zone is an area of the EU which is free from a quarantine organism despite favourable conditions for them to establish themselves.
Oak trees and plants are a host for this pest and it is unlikely to be found on any other tree than oak. OPM defoliates and weakens Oak trees and can be a hazard to human and animal health through direct contact with the hairs of the caterpillars, which can provoke allergic reactions, Health problems can occur even if the larvae are not handled as the hairs break off readily and are dispersed in air currents. Abandoned nests contain shed skins, pupal cases and vast numbers of detached hairs and should be treated with extreme caution. This finding is of even more concern considering the finding of the pest was located within a public park.
Oak trees and plants are a host for this pest and it is unlikely to be found on any other tree than oak. OPM defoliates and weakens Oak trees and can be a hazard to human and animal health through direct contact with the hairs of the caterpillars, which can provoke allergic reactions, Health problems can occur even if the larvae are not handled as the hairs break off readily and are dispersed in air currents. Abandoned nests contain shed skins, pupal cases and vast numbers of detached hairs and should be treated with extreme caution. This finding is of even more concern considering the finding of the pest was located within a public park.
