Over 650 attend Odense meeting on toxic caterpillar outbreak

More than 650 people gathered Friday afternoon for a public meeting in Odense Congress Center, hosted by Odense Municipality, to address the spread of the oak processionary moth caterpillar, a toxic pest causing widespread concern in the city, DR reports.

The two-hour meeting, which began at 15:30, focused on the caterpillar—dubbed “the larva from hell”—whose irritating hairs can trigger severe allergic reactions, including rashes and itching among those exposed.

Speakers included climate and environment councillor Tim Vermund, along with representatives from the Danish Patient Safety Authority and Carsten Bindslev-Jensen, a senior consultant at Odense University Hospital’s Allergy Centre.

Attendees, many of whom live in affected areas, demanded clarity on health risks and long-term containment efforts. Ingelise Nørrelykke and Lenny Madsen, both local residents, stressed the need for answers about the severity of inhaling the caterpillar’s microscopic hairs.

Authorities have acknowledged that eradication is impossible, shifting focus to limiting the spread—a response some locals have deemed insufficient. A local citizens’ network has announced a protest outside Odense City Hall on Saturday.