UK - 2012 Outbreaks of toxic caterpillars

[Pathfinder]

18 April 2011 Last updated at 07:38 ET

Outbreak of toxic caterpillars in Pangbourne

Residents in Pangbourne and parts of west London have been warned to steer clear of a toxic caterpillar.

The Forestry Commission has issued a caution not to touch the caterpillars of the oak processionary moth.

Their hairs contain a toxin that can cause itchy skin rashes as well as eye and throat irritations.

The Forestry Commission's Stewart Snape said residents can report sightings but that the caterpillars should only be removed by pest control operators.

Officials are now dealing with outbreaks of the moth in Pangbourne in West Berkshire and the London boroughs of Ealing, Brent, Hounslow, Richmond upon Thames and Hammersmith & Fulham.

More...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-13116458

 

[Shiloh]

Re: UK - 2012 Outbreaks of toxic caterpillars

Source: http://www.independent.co.uk/enviro...ion-of-hazardous-moth-identified-7924688.html

New infestation of 'hazardous' moth identified
Emily Beament
Monday 09 July 2012

A new infestation of a non-native moth which is hazardous to human and animal health and trees has been identified, the Forestry Commission has said.

The oak processionary moth has been discovered in the West Wickham area of Bromley, south-east London, around nine miles from the nearest known infestations that are part of an established outbreak in west London...