Sunday, October 15, 2006

Moth that can kill humans is found breeding in Britain

A moth that can be deadly to humans and strips the leaves off oak trees has been found breeding in Britain in what scientists are saying is the result of climate change.

The Oak processionary moth is believed to have arrived in oak trees imported from Tuscany and planted on a housing development before infesting the nearby Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, south-west London.

Teams in breathing apparatus were called in to deal with three outbreaks of the moth at Kew a month ago but the gardens made no announcement at the time, even though the head of the arboretum, Tony Kirkham, has now told the publication, Horticulture Week, that the outbreak was "a severe danger to the public".

Everybody panic!

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