Oak processionary moth closures eased in Brandenburg's Spreewald

The environmental ministry in Potsdam announced that several waterways in the Unterspreewald have been reopened after restrictions imposed because of the oak processionary moth. The Krausnicker Strom (from Puhlstrom to Krausnicker Wehr), the Puhlstrom (from Schiwanstrom to Unteres Puhlstromwehr) and the side‑channel “Schnelle Kathrin” are now clear for boat traffic. Other stretches – the Wasserburger Spree, Pfahlspree, Dresslerstrom and Krügerstrom – remain closed.

The moth, whose larvae carry a stinging hair, has spread widely across Brandenburg this year, causing skin rashes, eye irritation, coughing and asthma‑like symptoms. Authorities halted safety work on the waterways to protect their own health, but now deem the risk removed for the reopened sections. No restrictions apply in the Oberspreewald, where oaks are absent.

The decision restores navigation for recreational boaters and local tourism while maintaining safety measures on the still‑restricted sections.