The oak processionary moth (OPM) tree pest found in a Dublin park last week. \ Department of Agriculture.
ADVERTISEMENT
An invasive pest which targets oak trees was spotted in Ireland for the first time this week and has been traced to trees recently imported from Belgium.
The oak processionary moth (OPM) is found on oak tress and plants and is unlikely to be found on any other type of tree. The Department of Agriculture has asked the public and horticulture industry to be vigilant and report any other suspected sightings of the pest immediately.
Ireland has a protected zone under EU legislation for OPM and annual surveys are carried out to ensure the pest does not enter or become established in Ireland. The single nest found earlier this week was in a Dublin park on a solitary tree and has since been destroyed.
ADVERTISEMENT
Import
It was traced to a recent import of oak trees from Belgium and all trees associated with the consignment have also been destroyed. A wider intensified survey being carried out by the Department has yet to yield any additional sightings of the pest.
Suspected sightings should be notified immediately by emailing plantandpests@agriculture.gov.ie
More information on how to identify OPM can be found here.
This content is available to digital subscribers and loyalty code users only. Sign in to your account, use the code or subscribe to get unlimited access.
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
CODE ACCEPTED
You have full access to the site until next Wednesday at 9pm.
CODE NOT VALID
Please try again or contact support.
An invasive pest which targets oak trees was spotted in Ireland for the first time this week and has been traced to trees recently imported from Belgium.
The oak processionary moth (OPM) is found on oak tress and plants and is unlikely to be found on any other type of tree. The Department of Agriculture has asked the public and horticulture industry to be vigilant and report any other suspected sightings of the pest immediately.
Ireland has a protected zone under EU legislation for OPM and annual surveys are carried out to ensure the pest does not enter or become established in Ireland. The single nest found earlier this week was in a Dublin park on a solitary tree and has since been destroyed.
Import
It was traced to a recent import of oak trees from Belgium and all trees associated with the consignment have also been destroyed. A wider intensified survey being carried out by the Department has yet to yield any additional sightings of the pest.
Suspected sightings should be notified immediately by emailing plantandpests@agriculture.gov.ie
More information on how to identify OPM can be found here.
If you would like to speak to a member of our team, please call us on 01-4199525.
Link sent to your email address
We have sent an email to your address. Please click on the link in this email to reset your password. If you can't find it in your inbox, please check your spam folder. If you can't find the email, please call us on 01-4199525.
ENTER YOUR LOYALTY CODE:
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
SHARING OPTIONS