Authorities across Germany are battling an aggressive outbreak of poisonous caterpillars, which can cause severe health issues and have led to the closure of parks and other outdoor spaces, including in Berlin.

Health Risks

The oak processionary moth caterpillars are covered by microscopic, barbed hairs containing a toxin that can cause rashes, conjunctivitis, and breathing difficulties if they come into contact with humans. The toxic hairs break easily and can be spread over long distances by the wind.

The creatures also form white, silky nests on the infested oak trees, which contain more of the toxic hairs. The caterpillar outbreak is particularly severe in Berlin, with the districts of Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, Spandau, and Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg considered hotspots.

Response Efforts

In the western district of Spandau, authorities are urging people to avoid a 39-acre local park known as the Wilhelm-von-Siemens-Park, as well as adjacent schools, daycare centers, and streets. Berlin’s authorities are currently advising people to ensure clothes are thoroughly cleaned after every park visit and to keep windows and doors closed when possible.

Other prominent infestations have been reported in Hamburg and the western German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, according to EPS-Radar, a website and digital map that has been tracking the outbreaks.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.