Credit: www.emwelt.lu
The public has been reminded of the potential irritation caused by contact with the oak processionary moth in Luxembourg.
The oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) is a moth that has been increasingly found in Luxembourg due to warmer and drier weather in recent years. Especially in settlement areas and parks its larvae pose a health risk to humans.
Its caterpillar hairs are especially dangerous due to a highly allergenic protein (thaumetopoein). If these hairs come in contact with humans, they can cause itching and irritation of the respiratory system or eyes.
Caterpillars which are found on blackthorn, hawthorn or other hedges, however, mostly come from the Ermine moths (another species) and are harmless to humans.
In order to educate citizens about the oak processionary moth, the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Infrastructure and the Ministry of Health prepared a leaflet in 2017 that provides information on the biology of the oak processionary moth and the dangers associated with it. Preventive and protective measures are also explained.
This leaflet is available in German and French from Nature Management and can also be downloaded from the websites www.emwelt.lu and www.sante.lu.
