This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Precautions against Sudden Oak Death
13/05/2002
The Executive today announced a ban on the import of susceptible plants and planting material from areas of the US where Sudden Oak Death disease is known to occur.
There will also be a requirement to notify the Executive of commercial deliveries of Viburnum and Rhododendron plants, of any origin, into and within Scotland, under The Plant Health (Phytophthora ramorum) (Scotland) Order 2002. Similar legislation is being made in other parts of the UK.
Sudden Oak Death is caused by the fungus Phytophthora ramorum and, since its discovery in 1995. It has resulted in the death of many oaks and other native trees in California and Oregon. P. ramorum has also been found sporadically in Europe causing disease on Rhododendron and Viburnum, but not on oaks. Symptoms include wilting of shoots and water soaked cankers on stems.
The first finding of Phytophthora ramorum in Scotland has now been confirmed by laboratory analysis. The suspect plant (Viburnum tinus) was found during routine monitoring inspections. Action is being taken to control the spread of the infection and trace the source and destination of related plants.
These developments highlight the importance of taking immediate action to control imports and movements of host horticultural plants, in order to reduce the risk of the disease spreading further into and within the UK, and to protect native trees and shrubs.
A letter has been sent to trade organisations and individual businesses that may be affected to explain the new requirements.