Processionary moth prevention strategies

Climate change is increasingly recognized as a serious, worldwide public health concern. Recently the Dutch Climate and Health knowledge agenda identified the Oak Processionary Moth (OPM: Thaumetopoea processionea) as one of the emergent problems that is exacerbated by climate change. When humans are in contact with the poisonous hairs (setae) of the OPM they often experience a reaction of the skin ormucous membranes. The OPM presents responsible landowners and managers with challenges to ensure safety around trees. However, much is unknown about OPM prevention strategies. It is unclear which OPM prevention strategies are applied in countries throughout Europe?

The proposed research project aims to provide a better understanding of how OPM prevention takes place in other countries in Europe. International stakeholders, such as policymakers, land owners and implementers of OPM prevention might be able to learn from foreign prevention strategies.

Research methods such as literature study and (online) interviews can be applied.

If you are interested and want to know more about this project please contact Yvette Buist (yvette.buist@wur.nl) or Lenneke Vaandrager (lenneke.vaandrager@wur.nl) to discuss the possibilities (include thesiscoordination.hso@wur.nl in the CC)

Duration: 6 months
Language: English

Start Date: In consultation