Caterpillar can leave a nasty wheal

An article in the New Zealand Medical Journal has informed medical practitioners of the possible human health effects from the larvae of the gumleaf skeletoniser (Uraba lugens) now found around the Auckland region.

The culprit: larvae of Uraba lugens, now
established in the Auckland region.

There are no indigenous caterpillars in New Zealand that are known to cause adverse reactions on humans. Therefore 'erucism' (the technical term for adverse reactions resulting from contact with caterpillars capable of causing itching or a wheal) is relatively unknown to local medical practitioners.

The situation has changed, however, since the establishment of the gumleaf skeletoniser in New Zealand. Although moths have been trapped in Warkworth and Katikati, gumleaf skeletoniser is not known to be established outside the Auckland region. Because eradication was not feasible, gumleaf skeletoniser has been the focus of a long-term management programme.

Biosecurity New Zealand (BNZ) believes it is important to keep stakeholders informed, in particular, making medical practitioners in the region aware of possible cases of adverse reactions in humans following contact with gumleaf skeletoniser caterpillars. As a result, José Derraik (human health adviser from the Risk Analysis Group, BNZ) has recently published an article in the New Zealand Medical Journal for this purpose. The article, published in September, discusses the current status of gumleaf skeletoniser in New Zealand, and the associated human health aspects, including exposure, symptoms, possible treatment and prophylactic measures.

Reference:

Derraik J. 2006. Erucism in New Zealand: exposure to gum leaf skeletoniser (Uraba lugens) caterpillars in the differential diagnosis of contact dermatitis in the Auckland region. New Zealand Medical Journal 119: U2142.

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Page last updated: 30 April 2008