Poland warns of African swine fever spread and toxic oak caterpillars

The Łódź regional governor issued an urgent appeal after new cases of African swine fever were detected among wild boar in Piotrków County. Authorities urged recreational forest visitors to stay away from containment zones and asked farmers to secure animal‑passage gates under highways and expressways, emphasizing that any breach could spread the virus to domestic pig farms and threaten the national pork industry.

Local governments in several voivodeships – including Lesser Poland, Greater Poland, Kujawy and Pomerania – have also warned residents about massive infestations of oak processionary moth larvae. The caterpillars' urticating hairs can cause severe skin irritation, eye inflammation and respiratory problems in both people and animals. Officials advise avoiding contact, removing hairs with adhesive tape, washing affected skin with lukewarm water and seeking medical help for strong allergic reactions.