Pine Processionary Beetle: Urgent Warning of Irreversible Damage
Turkish Cypriot Medical Association Calls for More Effective Pine Processionary Beetle Combat Program
The Turkish Cypriot Medical Association (KTTB) has urged the government to allocate necessary resources for aerial microbial spraying to combat the pine processionary beetle. In a statement issued by KTTB, the association emphasized the ecological and public health risks posed by the pine processionary moth and called for more effective measures to address the issue.
“As the Turkish Cypriot Medical Association, we have long advocated for the understanding that environmental health and ecological sustainability are integral to public health. We share our concerns with the public and call for urgent action to address the risks associated with the pine processionary beetle,” the statement read.
The association highlighted the health risks posed by the insect, particularly to children, adults, and pets with sensitive and allergic conditions. It pointed out that the allergens found in the hairs of caterpillars can cause serious health problems, and emphasized the importance of raising awareness to protect individuals and their pets from the potential harm.
The KTTB statement also highlighted the success of aerial biological pesticide applications between 2016 and 2020 in reducing the damage caused by the pine processionary moth. However, it noted that in the years following 2020, the integrated fight against the pest was disrupted without a scientific and logical explanation, leading to increased damage to pine trees across the country.
Expressing concern over the irreversible harm caused by the lack of aerial biological spraying in recent years, the association called for a new combat program to be implemented. It also urged the Ministries of Agriculture and Finance to allocate the necessary resources for aerial microbial spraying and strengthen the Forestry Department, which plays a crucial role in the integrated fight against the pine processionary beetle.
The KTTB emphasized the urgent need to address the environmental and public health problems caused by the pine processionary beetle, calling for a transparent and effective approach to combat the pest.
The statement concluded by urging the government to take swift action to implement an integrated combat program and allocate resources to protect the country’s forests from the destructive impact of the pine processionary beetle.
