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World
Oak processionary moth found in nearly all forest districts across Thuringia
Herz — World Desk · · 30s summary · 1 min read
The essentials
The oak processionary moth has now been detected in nearly all forest districts across Thuringia, a state in central Germany. Only the Neuhaus forest district has not yet recorded a confirmed presence of the insect. The microscopic hairs on the caterpillars of this insect can cause skin irritation and respiratory difficulties in humans. This information comes from a response by Thuringia's Environment Ministry to a parliamentary question posed by AfD member Nadine Hoffmann, released on July 17, 2026.
- The insect is reported in all Thuringia forest districts except Neuhaus
- Caterpillar hairs cause skin irritation and respiratory difficulties in humans
- Confirmed by Thuringia's Environment Ministry on July 17, 2026
What we know
The oak processionary moth — an insect whose caterpillars bear microscopic stinging hairs — is now reported in nearly all forest districts across Thuringia, a state in central Germany. Only the Neuhaus forest district does not yet show any confirmed presence of the insect, according to the state's Environment Ministry.
The caterpillar hairs can cause skin irritation and respiratory difficulties in people exposed to them.
This information comes from a response by Thuringia's Environment Ministry to a parliamentary question posed by AfD member Nadine Hoffmann. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is a far-right political party founded in 2013. The statement was released by the DPA news agency on July 17, 2026.
What remains uncertain
The ministerial response does not specify the extent of infestation in each forest district, nor any control measures that Thuringia's authorities may be considering.
What is the oak processionary moth?
It is an insect whose caterpillars bear microscopic stinging hairs. These hairs can cause skin irritation and respiratory difficulties in humans. No additional independently verified definition was available for this article.
Where is the insect present in Thuringia?
In nearly all of the state's forest districts. Only the Neuhaus forest district does not yet report the presence of oak processionary moths.
Where does this information come from?
From an official response by Thuringia's Environment Ministry to a parliamentary question from AfD member Nadine Hoffmann, released via the DPA news agency on July 17, 2026.
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