POISONOUS caterpillars that cause a rash and vomiting are invading the UK – with Brits warned to “stay well away”.
Chiefs at the Forestry Commission have called on members of the public to be “on their guard” against oak processionary moths (OPM), which are highly toxic in their caterpillar stage.
The toxic critters invaded the UK in 2006 after oak trees were imported from Holland – and were later found in London parks before spreading to surrounding counties.
Now, the pests have been found as far north as Inverness in Scotland and as far west as Glamorganshire in Wales.
Hairs on the caterpillars – which feed off oak trees – contain toxins called thamentopoein which can cause severe skin rashes and asthma attacks.
The hairs can also cause eye and throat irritations, vomiting, dizziness and fever.
Each creature contain 63,000 hairs – and experts have warned you don’t even need to be in direct contact with the bug to be affected as they can be carried in the wind.
A spokesman for The Forestry Commission issued a warning to Brits this week, stating: “The Forestry Commission urges the public to report sightings of oak processionary moth (OPM) caterpillars.
“The greatest risk period is May to July when the caterpillars emerge and feed before turning into adult moths. The pest is established in London and surrounding areas.
“The Forestry Commission runs an annual programme in place to tackle OPM, and works with partners to monitor, treat and research the pest, in order to slow the spread and reduce the intensity of the pest.”
What are oak processionary moths?
- Oak processionary moths are dark in colour and around 25mm in length.
- The caterpillars, which later turns into a moth, are covered in long white hairs.
- The barbed hairs have a protein in them which causes irritation, they can often get caught in breezes and land on people's skin.
- Experts warn that if they get in contact with human skin they cause cause itchy rashes, eye problems and sore throats.
Andy Hall, Forestry Commission Operations Manager, said: “At this time of year, many people are enjoying green spaces and it’s really important for the public to be aware of the risk of tree pests like oak processionary moth.”
He said that Brits should “report any sightings” using it TreeAlert website or to contact them directly, adding: “This will help us with our programme of treatment and enables us to slow the spread of this pest.”
Trish Mannes, Deputy Director for Health Protection for Public Health England South East, said Brits should ‘keep away’ from the caterpillars, adding: “We strongly advise people not to touch or approach the caterpillars or their nests because of the health risks posed by the hairs.
“Pets and livestock can also be affected and should be kept away as well.
“People should see a pharmacist for relief from milder skin or eye irritations following possible OPM contact, or consult a GP or NHS111 for more-serious reactions.”
She said that a government-backed programme – which has cost £37m in the past nine years – was in place to “limit their spread from areas where they are present”.
A spokesman for the National Trust urged Brits not to touch the fluffy critters and to keep dogs on a lead to avoid contact with the bugs.
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