Paphos Life

Just seen on the news that there is an epidemic of these pesky creatures in the uk. Not sure how familiar people are with them, but they are very dangerous to humans and animals. So when out walking your dogs please be very careful what they are sniffing, these things can do tremendous damage to dogs mouths. We have them here in Cyprus so most people here are used to them but I don't think that's the case in UK.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/h ... 28156.html

In Cyprus we have the pest mainly on pine trees, a photo from Dominic shows their nest where one have to keep large distance not to come into contact. https://www.paphoslife.com/gallery/akamas#&gid=1&pid=50 (picture 50 from 92!)

Sometimes they get out of control and the Forestry Dep. is using small areoplanes to spray the pine trees and the nests... By contact you will get at least a nasty rash with infection and you have to visit the pharmacist to get a cream. If it is serious you have to see a doctor at the hospital.
I got it several times in the past, when walking in pine tree forests and recently when I did some photos of orchids 2 month ago and thought the one nest above me won't hurt - but it did. I have still a rash on my neck now.!!

Max

And they're particularly dangerous for dogs. If a dog is snuffling in the grass or undergrowth as many of them do, they can pick up these hairs and they can have a devastating effect on their mouths. I know Paphiakos had one in a year or so ago and he lost his tongue, and quite a bit of his face too. They are deadly to animals, so please watch where they are ferreting and snuffling.

And for people in the UK particularly - London and the south at the moment I believe - please be careful when out with your dogs if you've never come across these ghastly creatures before.