Second case of ‘oak wilt’ discovered in the Niagara region

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is reporting a second case of oak wilt found in the Niagara region as of Monday.

They say the latest case was found in Niagara-on-the-Lake, bringing the total number of cases across the country to three. The first case was confirmed in Niagara Falls on May 23.

‘Oak wilt’ is a fungus-caused disease that causes tree death within a single season. While all oak trees are susceptible to the disease, the CFIA says red oaks are particularly vulnerable and can die within two to six weeks following infection.

READ MORE: Canada’s 1st case of ‘oak wilt’ confirmed in Niagara Falls

Experts say that the disease poses a significant threat to Canada’s forests if it is not kept under control.

The CFIA is working alongside the other federal, provincial and municipal governments to survey the area and determine next steps.

What community members can do

The CFIA is asking for Canadians across the country to act to prevent the spread of oak wilt. Here are the steps that can be taken to avoid the spread:

• Don’t prune oak trees between April and November
• Don’t move firewood
• Report suspected signs to the CFIA
• Check oak trees for signs of the disease.

Signs of oak wilt

• These are the signs of oak wilt to look out for:
• Dull green, brown or yellow leaves
• Cracks in the trunk
• White, gray or black fungus
• Early and sudden leaf drop

Signs of oak wilt can be reported to the CFIA online, and should include the location of the tree and photos of the symptoms.

READ MORE: St. Catharines working to prevent spread of ‘oak wilt’ after case in Niagara Falls