Thaumetopoea processionea - Jersey

Publication Date

Wed, 05 Oct 2022, 11:08

Last Updated

Dec. 19, 2024, 5:49 p.m.

Report Number

GBR-43/2

Country

United Kingdom

Pest Id

oak processionary caterpillar - (THAUPR)

Report Status

Final

Hosts

Quercus spp. (Oak)

Pest Status (ISPM 8 - 2021)

• Present: not widely distributed and under official control

Geographical Distribution

Outbreak extent still being investigated. Found in 4 distinct locations in the centre of the Island.

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 from the affected trees where possible, public engagement and outbreak extent & wider environmental surveys. Trapping of moths is continuing, and surveying is being conducted island-wide.

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. Due to Jersey’s proximity to France, there is potential for flying adults to reach Jersey in the summer. Because of this, permanent eradication may be difficult to achieve.

Contact for info

[email protected]

Report files

Oak Processionary Moth report for Jersey 2023

Website

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