INITIAL 2007 DUTCH ELM DISEASE SURVEY COMPLETED

The first Dutch elm disease (DED) survey of 2007 has been completed and has identified the disease in several areas of the province.

Communities confirming the presence of infected elms include Lumsden (19), Regina Beach (12), Fort Qu'Appelle (14), Katepwa (30), Estevan (11), Carnduff (2), Churchbridge (3), Moose Jaw (2), Regina (5), Bethune (1), Indian Head (1), Sorenson Beach (6), Echo Valley Provincial Park (15), Pasqua Lake (3) and Carlyle (1). Infected elms were also found at the Experimental Farm and Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA) farm at Indian Head. The communities of Saskatoon, Swift Current, Prince Albert, North Battleford and Yorkton remain DED-free.

"These results are not surprising, in that the disease was found in areas where it had been found before," provincial Dutch elm disease program administrator Jeffery Gooliaff said. "The survey found increases over last year in the communities of Moose Jaw, Regina, Fort Qu'Appelle, Lumsden and Regina Beach, and fewer cases in Estevan, Katepwa and Carnduff."

Buffer or protection zones are established outside urban centres with significant elm populations to limit the movement of the disease. Infected elms have been identified in the following buffer zones - Indian Head (18), Moose Jaw (6) and Regina (34). Most of the trees identified have already been removed. Early removal limits the spread of the disease by removing the source of the DED fungus, which is transmitted by the native elm bark beetle.

"This year, we have 40 communities participating in agreements with Saskatchewan Environment to share the costs of their DED management programs," Gooliaff said. "Co-operation like this is an essential part of a successful disease management program."

Healthy elms resist infection better and homeowners should prune their trees regularly but observe the pruning ban from April 1st to August 31st. Because of the risk of spreading DED, it is illegal to transport or store elm firewood.

For more information about disease prevention, call Saskatchewan Environment's toll-free Dutch elm disease information line at 1-800-SASK ELM (1-800-727-5356).

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For more information, contact:

Jeffery Gooliaff
Environment
Prince Albert
Phone: 306-953-2987

Art Jones
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5796
Email: art.jones@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-536-8452