'Extreme caution' urged as harmful caterpillars discovered in Dublin

The larvae of the moth pose a risk to human and animal health, as the body of the caterpillar has numerous irritating hairs which can cause allergic reactions.Picture: Haruta Ovidiu/University of Oradea/Bugwood.org

Several trees in Dublin have been destroyed following the discovery of “harmful” invasive caterpillars which pose health risks to humans and animals.

Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) nests were found on four Oak trees in a Dublin housing estate and were subsequently destroyed due to their invasive risk, according to the Department of Agriculture which has urged “extreme caution” on any potential sightings.