The public have been urged to be vigilant after an invasive species of moth has been detected in Ireland.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine announced a finding of Thaumetopoea processionea, commonly known as the Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) in Ireland.
The Oak Processionary Moth caterpillars were found on four oak trees in a Dublin housing estate. The nests and four trees have since been destroyed.
Ireland has a Protected Zone status under the EU Plant Health legislation for this pest. A Protected Zone is an area of the EU which is free from a harmful organism.
The moth poses a potential risk for human health and animal health as contact with the caterpillar hairs can provoke allergic reactions which can manifest as skin rashes, conjunctivitis and respiratory problems such as pharyngitis and asthma.
The Department is advising the public not to touch or approach nests or caterpillars, and to seek medical advice if seriously affected.
The caterpillars of the moth are mainly associated with feeding on the foliage of oak trees.
However, when there are limited oak trees available, the caterpillars have been observed to feed on other trees, such as acacia, birch, hornbeam, hawthorn, hazel and beech.
The caterpillars feed on leaves and can cause severe defoliation, leaving trees weakened and open to secondary infections from other pest and diseases.
The Department has commenced an investigation into the infestation.
In a statement, the Department said surveying for the 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.
Suspected sightings should be treated with extreme caution and notified immediately to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with contact details and geolocation of the sighting by emailing plantandpests@agriculture.gov.ie or by telephone to 01-5058885.
