Wildlife UK Forum - Discuss the UK countryside and wildlife

WHile browsing the BBC website I came across an image saying that all oak trees imported to the UK from the EU will require a "passport" to help stop the invasion of the oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea).

I had never heard of the moth before, so a small amount of googling brought me to a website explaining that the larvae defoliate the oak trees. More worryingly they are a danger to humans as they "are clothed in numerous long white silky hairs, but much less evident is the covering of many thousands of much smaller irritant hairs (setae) that contain a toxin. Contact with these small hairs, or their inhalation can result in severe skin irritation and allergic reactions."

Has anyone else heard of these moths before of even seen them?

I have never seen this particular moth, although there are also others which feed en-masse and can strip plants at an amazing speed, some of the small ermine moths which feed on hawthorn (i think) can get into the thousands.
There are quite number of caterpillars which have long hairs on them, which some people may have an allergic reaction too.
Luckily i don't sem to have any adverse reaction to any of them.

I've never seen this moth either, and while I've never had an allergic reaction to a moth I don't really know whether I am or not. I suppose most people don't until it's too late! Obviously something needs to be done about the moths, but if they have already spread across the countryside it needs to be a bit more drastic than just checking new trees.

Unfortunately they are quite a big problem from what I've heard. It is a good first step to have stricter rules or bringing trees into the country. I'm sure this moth isn't the only thing that we wouldn't want coming in.