Eichen processionary spinner leads to sports field closures in Berlin!

Eichen processionary spinner leads to sports field closures in Berlin!

Berlin, Deutschland - In Berlin, numerous sports facilities are affected by closings that are due to the risk of oak processionary spinners. The Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf district office has announced today that four sports facilities will be closed until further notice. The sports facility Jungfernheide am Volkspark Jungfernheide, the Hans-Rosenthal sports facility near the Eichkamp settlement, the Julius Hirsch sports facility and the Wally Wittmann sports facility are affected. The Jungfernheide lido was also closed two days ago due to a massive infestation.

The closings are necessary because the caterpillars of the oak processionary spinner, which settle on tree trunks and branches, hide health risks. The burning hair of these caterpillars can cause allergic reactions and cause breathing shortage in the airways. In order to minimize the occurrence of these health risks, information signs were set up in the affected districts and companies were commissioned with the removal of the oak processionary spinners. Adjacent schools, daycare centers, streets and private areas are also affected by the measures.

Health risks caused by burn hair

The oak processionary moth, scientifically known as Thaumetopoea Processionea, has meanwhile become a serious problem. The burns of the caterpillars contain the Thaumetopoin nettle poison, which can trigger inflammatory reactions in humans and animals. These fine hairs only measure 0.1 to 0.3 millimeters and are equipped with barbs, which makes them particularly dangerous. Contact can cause catering decorations, i.e. redness, small pustules and strong itching, often only hours after contact.

It becomes particularly critical when the burner hair is inhaled. This can lead to coughing and shortness of breath and thus represents a serious health risk. Eye irritations and severe inflammation are possible when touching the eyes. Citizens should behave carefully and do not touch old nests near infected oaks.

causes and spread

The spread of the oak processionary moth is increasingly associated with climate change in the professional world. Earlier strict winter has decimated the butterfly tribe's population in the past, but this has not been the case for several years. The most dangerous phase of the caterpillar occurs in spring and early summer when the caterpillars hatch and feed on oak leaves.

The health of humans and animals is therefore seriously endangered by contact with the brain hair. First aid for contact includes removing contaminated clothing, thorough showers and looking for fresh air in the event of breathing difficulties. In the event of persistent symptoms, medical help is necessary, and the cleaning of contaminated objects should also be carried out immediately.

With these measures and information, the responsible authorities hope to clarify the population about the risks and to promote suitable preventive measures to prevent further health damage.

The current health risks should not be underestimated; The oak processionary spinner remains a relevant topic in the region. Further information can be found in detail on rbb24 , as well as on berlin.de and Oberpfalzecho.de .