Pine processionary development, pine processionary caterpillars are highly irritating to the skin. Contact with the hairs of the caterpillar can cause severe rashes (urticaria) and eye irritation. Some individuals may have an allergic reaction to the caterpillar's hairs. 5th stage larvae can eject hairs when threatened or stressed; the hairs, which have the form of harpoons, then penetrate and irritate all areas of exposed skin nearby with an urticating protein. Allergic reactions may follow in susceptible individuals on subsequent exposure to the hairs. The pine processionary is an economic pest in coniferous forests in southern Europe. It is controlled to some extent
Animal Health also regulated the trade in endangered species through CITES. Previously Animal Health was known as State Veterinary Service. The Scottish arm of the organisation was a member of SEARS (Scotland's Environmental and Rural Services). On 1 April 2011 it merged with the Veterinary Laboratories Agency to form the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency. Animal Health "For Animal health, see Veterinary medicine" Animal Health was a UK government executive agency primarily responsible for ensuring that farmed animals in Great Britain were healthy, disease-free and well looked after. One of its key roles was to implement government policies aimed at preventing