The Department of Agriculture has revealed that the Oak Processionary Moth(OPM) has been found in Ireland. Oak Processionary Moth caterpillars were found on four Oak trees in a Dublin housing estate. The nests and four trees have been destroyed.
Ireland has a Protected Zone status under the EU Plant Health legislation for this pest meaning the area is thought to be free of the pest. The Department of Agriculture has commenced an investigation into this infestation.
The moth or in it’s caterpillar form poses a risk to plant and human health. Contact with the hairs on the caterpillar can provoke allergic reactions which manifest as skin rashes, conjunctivitis and respiratory problems such as pharyngitis and asthma.
Suspected sightings in Ireland should be treated with extreme caution and notified immediately to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with your contact details and geolocation of the sighting by emailing [email protected] or by telephone 01-5058885.
