- The latest nuisance in town is the goldfinch.
In Saxony-Anhalt, the battle against unwanted critters isn't limited to the oak processionary caterpillar anymore, but also includes the gold after. For five years, the Ministry of Health has backed initiatives against the oak processionary caterpillar, but this year, the gold after has been introduced into the fight. The state provides municipalities with approximately one million euros for caterpillar combat in total.
As per the ministry's statements, besides the districts of Anhalt-Bitterfeld and Mansfeld-South Harz, Wittenberg has been severely affected by the gold after. Although efforts against the oak processionary caterpillar have yielded significant results, the gold after has taken center stage, as the district announced. Much like the oak processionary caterpillar, the gold after is equally problematic and dangerous. "Wittenberg has heeded the warnings from the district's cities and acknowledged early that the gold after also poses a significant risk," stated Vice-Landrat Joerg Hartmann.
Oak processionary caterpillars are primarily tackled in the northern region
The State Agricultural and Horticultural Authority of Saxony-Anhalt, classifies oak processionary caterpillars and gold after as harmful caterpillars. Skin irritation and allergies can occur upon contact with caterpillar hairs. Over the past 14 years, the increased prevalence of oak processionary caterpillars has been noticed in Saxony-Anhalt. Currently, the north of the state is the most heavily affected area. The Altmarkkreis Salzwedel and Stendal receive the highest funding for combating the oak processionary caterpillar, as per the Ministry of Health.
The State Agricultural and Horticultural Authority of Saxony-Anhalt is also fighting against the gold after, which causes skin irritation and allergies like the oak processionary caterpillar. Due to its impact, Wittenberg has joined the efforts to combat the gold after, recognizing it as a significant risk like its northern counterpart.
