A new case of Dutch elm disease has been identified in Killarney

Edmonton City Council has identified another confirmed case of Dutch elm disease.

A private tree in Killarney is the fifth tree in Edmonton to be infected with the deadly fungus.

It was found in the same area where four other infected trees were found in August.

At the end of September, the tree was tested, but the results were negative.

Later, city crews conducting a follow-up assessment noticed that the tree’s health had rapidly deteriorated and that it was showing signs of disease.

A new test gave a positive result on Thursday.

The city is working with the owner to remove the tree as soon as possible.

Dutch elm disease is spread by three species of beetles and also from tree to tree through the root system. The fungus that causes it interferes with the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients, and can kill a tree in as little as three weeks.

The city said the disease has killed millions of elm trees across North America since it was introduced from Europe about 90 years ago.

Edmonton has about 90,000 city-owned elm trees, and the Dutch Elm Disease Protocol was developed in 2020 after the disease was discovered in Lethbridge.

“City foresters and rangers remain vigilant as they continue to implement the established action plan, including increased surveillance of elms in the protocol area,” said Mark Beer, Edmonton’s director of infrastructure operations.

“This additional confirmed case does not change our approach as we continue to assess, remove and test to contain the spread of Dutch elm disease.”

Residents are encouraged to learn more about the signs of Dutch elm disease and to keep private elm trees trimmed and healthy, as damaged or diseased trees attract the beetles.

In Edmonton, it is illegal to store or transport elm wood. Trimmed branches or wood from damaged trees should be burned or disposed of immediately at the Edmonton Waste Management Center at 250 Aurum Road.

More information about the disease can be found at City of Edmonton website.