Tree-killing disease strikes district again

As reported in the TIMES last month, around 160 hectares of Woodburn Forest were affected by the deadly Pythophthora ramorum, a fungus-like pathogen that kills Japanese larch and has already spread extensively in other parts of the UK.

And the felling of trees at the local forest does not appear to have contained the outbreak, as the Forest Service confirmed that a small privately owned farm near Carrick has now been hit by the infection.

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has served a notice on the landowner to fell the infected trees and ensure that bio-security measures are taken at the site, which is understood to be less than half a hectare.

A Forest Service spokeswoman said “appropriate steps” had been taken to contain the spread of the disease, and she added that the Department was hopeful that the outbreak would be contained.“Based on scientific advice, infected Japanese larch on both public and private land is being felled, and together with bio-security measures, this is the best method for controlling the disease,” she explained.

The infection near Carrickfergus is just one of three cases of P. ramorum that have been detected in Northern Ireland this week, with another outbreak discovered elsewhere in Co Antrim and one in Co Down. The original cases of the outbreak had been confined to woodland sites on the Antrim plateau, and it was the first time the infection had been diagnosed on Japanese larch in Northern Ireland.

P. ramorum is spread primarily by rain and wind, but it can also be transferred on footwear, vehicle wheels and machinery. The first indication of the disease on Japanese larch trees is a visible wilting of young shoots and foliage, or later in the growing season, withered shoot tips with yellowing needles which then become blackened. The infected shoots shed their needles prematurely. Trees may also have bleeding cankers on their upper trunks.

The Forest Service spokeswoman said that, since the original outbreak, DARD has inspected all of its woodlands across (continued on 3) (from one) the province. She added: “In addition to ground inspections, the Department has also conducted an aerial survey across its forest estate. As a result, a small number of additional sites are being investigated further.

“Visitors to infected forests are asked to observe local signage such as keeping to the paths, not removing plant material from the woodland, and thoroughly washing shoes or boots before visiting other areas. The vast majority of people visiting the affected forests have complied with these requests.”

DARD has reminded all woodland owners and managers to remain vigilant for symptoms of the disease in Japanese Larch and report suspicious symptoms to Forest Service.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew said it was “unfortunate” that the recent outbreak of P. ramorum had coincided with National Trails Day, which is to take place on Sunday. The event aims to raise awareness of outdoor trails throughout Ireland.

She added: “I want to reassure the public that none of the affected forests are being used for the National Trails Day events. We are taking all appropriate steps to manage and contain the outbreak”.