The nursery in question was tested for the last two years as part of CFIA’s SOD survey of Canadian nurseries, with negative results. The nursery has NOT shipped any host product since the initial find this spring; all material from the relevant block has been destroyed; extensive testing throughout the remainder of the nursery has produced NO further positive results; and all trace forwards to all other nurseries that had received material from the affected nursery have been negative. The nursery remains under quarantine until the fall so that regular testing can be done to ensure the disease doesn’t reappear as the weather and seasons change.
It has been known since 1999/2000 that SOD was present at nurseries in California. The first positive finds in Oregon were reported in 2001. It is widely spread in various European countries (over 280 sites in Great Britain). Many nurseries throughout North America purchased plants from these regions prior to 2001 when CFIA began requiring certification of the stock as disease-free. Scientists recognize they need more information about this disease and the way it occurs in North America. Steps are being put into place on both sides of the border to find the answers.
The following actions are being taken to minimize the risk of getting SOD in Canada:
- Canadian Landscape Nursery Association, British Columbia Landscape and Nursery Association (BCLNA), forest industry associations and a wide range of provincial and federal government representatives have formed a taskforce. The subcommittees will explore every aspect of the situation. They are: Regulation and Control; Science / Diagnostics; Education/Consultation/ Communication; and Monitoring / Surveillance. These committees are hard at work to find reliable answers and to prepare meaningful information for the industry.
- An important step in ensuring that any nursery is SOD free is co-operation with the efforts of CFIA in conducting the SOD surveys. Early detection and eradication can ensure that we do not have infected nurseries as in Britain and Europe.
While this situation appears to be a minor, isolated incident, we will be prepared if it looks as if the situation is more serious. We will also have had good practice in the steps to manage the next disease or insect that comes along to threaten our industry. The Oregon, Washington and California industry associations are struggling with the same issues as we are. A cooperative approach to sharing information is already in place. Disease information is available on the Internet, with a number of credible sites. Simply search under under “Sudden Oak Death.”
The CFIA and other regulators are working to protect our industry and you are encouraged to cooperate fully if they wish to sample your nursery.
Chris Andrews
Executive Director
Canadian Nursery Landscape Association
