Oak Wilt in Midland

Oak wilt is a disease that affects Oak trees and has been spreading across the US and has now been confirmed in Ontario. There have been two cases confirmed in Ontario, first in the Niagara Region and just recently in Springwater Township. The disease is caused by the fungus Bretziella fagacearum, and while it does not affect human or animal health, it can result in tree death in a single season, particularly for Red Oaks.

Reports of detected cases are directed to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Signs of infection include dull green, brown or yellow leaves; cracks in the trunk; white, grey or black fungus; and early and sudden leaf drop.

The public is asked to check any Oak trees on their property for the signs noted above and report any potential case to the CFIA as well as assist in reducing the potential for spread of the disease by refraining from pruning Oak trees between April and August, as well as not moving firewood.

More information can be found here Bretziella fagacearum (previously known as Ceratocystis fagacearum (Oak Wilt) - Fact Sheet - Canadian Food Inspection Agency (canada.ca).