Belgian soldiers join fight against caterpillars

Belgian soldiers today joined the fight against a mass outbreak of irksome caterpillars in oak trees which can give people skin rash and breathing problems.

Two dozen soldiers joined firefighters in northern Belgium where the caterpillars have grown to record numbers due to warm spring weather and turned them into a pest.

Hairs on the back of the caterpillars can cause anything from mild itching to painful irritations and asthma attacks.