PROCESSIONARY CATERPILLARS - Annual warning!

Thanks to In-Cyprus and item written by Lucie Robson 13/2/16.

This is a repeat of the article February 2016 but serves as a reminder to all, especially animal owners, to keep their pets away from these pests.   Nests are likely to start hatching along the coast any time soon.

With spring approaching, a Paphos vet has warned dog owners to be extra vigilant when walking their dogs in areas where there are pine trees owing to the presence of toxic caterpillars known as Pine Processionary Caterpillars.

If a dog, in its exploration, plays with or eats these caterpillars, it can cause serious damage to its mouth which could result in surgery and deformation.

Dr Christos Yiapanis of CyVets told the Cyprus Weekly that last year he dealt with 10 mild cases, where dogs had inadvertently come into contact with the deadly caterpillars. However, Yiapanis, fondly known as Dr Chris, also dealt with a serious case where a dog had its tongue removed.
“The case was very severe,” Dr Chris said. “The owner took the dog out and there was a pile of caterpillars on the path.  “They are fluffy and as soon as they come out of their nest, they form a ball for a few hours before they start to spread. In the other cases, the dogs lost the tips of their tongues.”
A year on, the unfortunate dog has recovered and adapted, learning to ingest food and water comfortably through a sucking technique.

“Normally, though it seems impossible, dogs do tend to adapt, so even without a tongue they manage to eat and drink.”  Dr Chris said it was lucky that the dog was a terrier breed with a hairy face, so the deformities caused by the incident would not be so noticeable. However, such a case could have proven fatal.

The caterpillars trigger an instant allergic reaction that causes swelling in the throat and mouth that can make it impossible to breathe. Had the dog in question not received treatment immediately, it may not have survived.  The little beasties can also cause a bad reaction in people. It’s common to break out in a rash after just minimal contact with them.

Common caterpillar
Pine Processionary Caterpillars make their homes in pine trees which are very common in both urban and residential areas in Cyprus.  They are in abundance in March and spring and the public is generally unaware of how dangerous these caterpillars can be.

Dog owners are advised to keep their dogs on a lead while out walking. “Avoid areas where there are pine trees and keep your dog on a lead if you do walk in such areas.  “It’s best to be in areas that are clear so you can see clumps of caterpillars before your dog investigates them,” Yiapanis said.
Generally, if a dog makes contact with the caterpillars, it will only eat one or two and develop a small ulcer or small wound on its tongue.


They will then drool excessively and vomit but will recover in a few days. Still, Yiapanis said that it is best to seek veterinary care if a dog has come into contact with the caterpillars.

Pine Processionary Caterpillars live in white nests in pine trees. They make their way down to the ground and become insects. The root of their toxicity is a protein.  They are present during March and for about one week in April before they transform into moths.

“There are other caterpillars which are not as toxic as this one,” said Dr Chris.
“They are a slightly different colour. Generally, if you see any caterpillars, it is best to avoid taking animals to the area.”

The Forestry Department is responsible for exterminating Pine Processionary Caterpillars.
Pet owners who have pine trees in the gardens are entitled to contact the Forestry Department to request a visit for spraying of the trees to kill off the larvae.

For further information on the service, the central number of the Forestry Department is: 22 805 511.

Additional information regarding the caterpillars:

Anytime soon there will be brown hairy caterpillars in gardens, fields and forests. There are two types:

The March or Woolly Bear Caterpillar and the Eastern Pine Processionary Caterpillar (the ones that join in long chains).

These should NOT be touched with bare hands, nor should dogs be allowed to sniff around them as they are extremely dangerous. The Eastern Pine Processionary Caterpillar is especially dangerous, as it has hollow hairs that contain toxins that can cause severe allergic skin irritation.

 The hairs of the caterpillars can give skin irritation and have a particularly bad effect on dogs that stick their noses into the cluster.
 
To clarify, these are often misidentified as the Eastern Pine Processionary Caterpillar (Thaumetopoea wilkinsoni). These are the caterpillars seen in pine tress (see fourth image) and they have hairs that are hollow and filled with an irritating toxin. When touched the hairs abrade or penetrate the skin and toxin enters the body, resulting in very severe skin irritation.

March or Woolly Bear - Adult female - wingless and unable to fly - laying eggs

March or Woolly Bear Caterpillars

March or Woolly Bear - Adult male

Eastern Pine Processionary Caterpillars