Thaumetopoea processionea on Jersey

Publication Date

Wed, 05 Oct 2022, 11:08

Last Updated

Oct. 5, 2022, 11:08 a.m.

Report Number

GBR-43/1

Country

United Kingdom

Report Status

Final

Hosts

Quercus spp. (Oak)

Geographical Distribution

Outbreak extent still being investigated, currently limited to a pocket in the southern central part of the island and two additional single nest sites.

Summary

Notification of an outbreak of Thaumetopoea processionea on the Crown Dependency of Jersey. This outbreak is initially thought to be the result of windborne spread, but further investigations are necessary. Eradication measures are currently being applied, including the removal and destruction of identified nests, public engagement and outbreak extent & wider environmental surveys.

Danger

Repeated defoliation in spring increases tree susceptibility to drought and secondary pests and reduces earlywood width. Moreover, the infestation by T. processionea has been hypothesized to be associated with oak decline which has repeatedly emerged during the past centuries and particularly in the most recent decades. In addition to the effect on forest health, outbreaks of T. processionea have an even greater impact on health due to the urticating setae the larvae produce after the 3rd larval stage that cause ocular and respiratory problems in animals and human health.

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