Part
8 PROCESSIONARY CATERPILLARS
PRECESSIONARY
CATERPILLARS
Overview
– This subject came as a rude awakening to me because I had
never heard of them before my arrival in Spain. I have now learnt to
be very aware of these little creatures because they are capable of
packing a mighty punch. The majority of people have never heard of
these caterpillars and it come as a shock to learn the danger they
pose to children and animals. They come to life from January through
to April when they go on the march from their tree top nests
searching for food. They travel in convoy, nose to tail, from tree to
tree. The caterpillars are very hairy and each of the fine hairs are
filled with poison and if touched by animal or human they discharge
these hairs to defend themselves, and the results can be extremely
painful. If the hairs get into the eyes or mouth then this can be
very serious and in some cases can cause death.
Transmission
– Unfortunately children and animals find them fascinating and
this is where they are in danger. Try to keep away from areas of pine
trees during the months mentioned earlier.
Symptoms
– Acute pain and irritation and it can also cause a very strong
allergic reaction. If the tongue and inside of the mouth has been
affected then it can cause bleeding and the chance of suffocation if
the tongue swells badly. Other symptoms are fever, diarrhea, nausea
and the dogs vomiting.
Treatment
– Take the person to a hospital and animal to a vet immediately
because serious problems can develop if the dogs treatment is
delayed. A Vet will administer appropriate injections and other
medication to alleviate pain etc.
Prevention
– Be aware of these creatures and look out for the tell tale
signs. The nests look like bunches of cotton wool hanging up in
the pine trees. If you have these in your garden then spray with a
specialist insecticide and then burn the nest. Keep children and
animals well away from Pine wood areas during January through to April.
If
you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite
you. This is the principle difference between a dog and a
man” Mark Twain
By
Rosemary Taylor www.fincalinkup.com/dogsdisease.html
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