The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine have asked the public to remain vigilant after a confirmed finding of Oak Processionary Moth, a harmful plant pest, on trees in a housing estate in Dublin.
The finding of Thaumetopoea processionea, commonly known as the Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) in Ireland was 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. A Protected Zone is an area of the EU which is free from a harmful organism. DAFM have commenced an investigation into this infestation. 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 (larvae) of this moth are mainly associated with feeding on the foliage of Oak (Quercus) tree species. However, when there are limited oak trees available, larvae have been observed to feed on other tree species (Acacia, Birch, Hornbeam, Hawthorn, Hazel and Beech) but it is uncertain whether they can survive on these species and complete their lifecycle development to adults. The caterpillars (larvae) feed on leaves and can cause severe defoliation leaving trees weakened and open to secondary infections from other pest and diseases.
The Oak Processionary Moth is a harmful plant pest and it also poses a potential health risk to both humans and animals. Extreme caution is advised as the caterpillar hairs can provoke allergic reactions and breathing difficulties.
Suspected sighting should be treated with caution and notify the department immediately by:
e-mailing:plantandpests@agriculture.gov.ie or calling their hotline on 01-5058885
Advisory issued by The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
