Dutch elm disease found in tree in Alberta Avenue

Another case of Dutch elm disease has been detected in a tree in Edmonton.

Several trees will be removed from Alberta Avenue after a confirmed case of Dutch elm disease.

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The infected tree was found during a planned assessment in the neighbourhood and was confirmed by a lab on Wednesday.

The case is the first this season and sixth since the deadly fungal disease was discovered in the Killarney and Yellowhead Corridor East neighbourhoods last August.

All trees within 20 metres of the infected tree will be removed, while all trees within a one-kilometre radius will be closely monitored, the city said in a Thursday press release.

“City arborists, urban foresters and the pest management team remain vigilant as we continue implementing the established Dutch elm disease management plan, including intensified surveillance of elm trees. This additional confirmed case does not change our approach as we continue assessments, removals and testing in coordination with the province and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency,” said Mark Beare, director of infrastructure operations.

“While any positive test is disappointing, we remain confident that this collaborative approach is helping to limit the spread of the disease.”

About 22 per cent of trees on city-owned land in Edmonton are elm trees, numbering about 90,000.

The fungus is spread by bark beetles, so diligent pruning is an essential part of the city’s strategy.

To help stop the spread of Dutch elm disease, residents are asked not to bring firewood into the city from another jurisdiction; properly remove and dispose of dead, dying or diseased elm branches; and report cases of the disease to 311.

More information about Dutch elm disease is available online.