Oak processionary caterpillar not yet found in Djursland, but municipality prepared

Syddjurs Municipality has not recorded any sightings of the oak processionary caterpillar, which is currently spreading in Odense, according to a report by DR.

The invasive species, known to trigger allergic reactions in humans and animals, prompted the municipality to adopt a response strategy as early as May. Riber Hog Anthonsen (V), deputy chair of the Nature, Technical, and Environmental Committee, said the decision to prepare was justified by recent developments in Odense.

“We discussed in the committee whether it might be overkill, but we felt it was important to be prepared. Now you can see how severe it’s become in Odense,” Anthonsen said.

The municipality has placed monitoring traps near oak trees in high-risk areas and set up a hotline for residents to report suspected sightings. So far, there have been few inquiries and no confirmed observations.

Nearby Aarhus, Silkeborg, and Randers are also developing contingency plans for managing the caterpillar.