An infestation of harmful caterpillars have destroyed oak trees in Dublin with an urgent warning for members of the public to report sightings.
Nests belonging to the Oak Processionary Moth (OPM), or Thaumetopoea processionea were found in four oak trees in a housing estate in the capital. The invasive creepy crawlies start out as distinctive, "hairy" caterpillars and they pose a health risk to people and animals because of their irritating hairs which can cause allergic reactions or skin rashes.
The OPM caterpillars feed on oak tree foliage and can severely weaken trees. The nests have since been destroyed according to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Ireland has a Protected Zone status under the EU Plant Health legislation for this pest.
The Department has launched an investigation into the infestation. Anyone who comes across these OPM caterpillars are being urged not to touch them or attempt to move them.
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The Department said in a statement: "Surveying for this pest around the infected site has commenced and an intensive survey campaign using trapping methods and visual examinations of oak trees will continue over the coming weeks and months.
"The caterpillars feed on leaves and can cause severe defoliation leaving trees weakened and open to secondary infections from other pest and diseases.
"Suspected sightings in Ireland should be treated with extreme caution and notified immediately to the Department.” The creepy crawlies each have over 60,000 toxic hairs on their bodies.
The Department has also advised parents and guardians to warn children not to touch or approach the nests or caterpillars, as the caterpillars' hairs may cause allergic reactions, skin rashes, conjunctivitis and respiratory problems such as pharyngitis and asthma.
People should seek medical advice if they think they or someone they care for has come into contact with these OPM caterpillars or nests. Members of the public are also advised to keep pets and livestock away from these caterpillars, and the contact a vet if your pet comes into contact with a nest.
The Department said suspected sightings should be treated with extreme caution and notified immediately, along with contact details and geolocation of the sighting. Anyone who wishes to report a sight can do so by emailing plantandpests@agriculture.gov.ie or by telephone to 01-5058885.
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