New Legislation on Sudden Oak Death

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The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development announced today that The Plant Health (Wood and Bark) (Phytophthora ramorum) Order (Northern Ireland) 2003 will come into force on 12 April 2003.

The legislation implements in Northern Ireland a European Commission Decision published in September 2002. The Decision requires that controls are introduced to prohibit the introduction and spread of the pest, Phytophthora ramorum, a fungus identified as causing Sudden Oak Death syndrome in species of oak in the USA and harm to other species of plants.

It imposes landing controls on wood of four species of forest tree, Acer macrophyllum Pursh.(big leaf maple), Aesculus californica Nutt.(Californian buckeye), Lithocarpus densiflorus (H & A) (tanoak) and Quercus L.(the genus oak) Wood of this description which originates in the USA and is despatched to the EC after 12 April 2003 must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate issued in compliance with the various requirements of the Order. Imports of such material must be notified to an inspector at least three days before landing. The Order extends the ban in the principal Order on imports of isolated bark of Quercus to the other susceptible species.

Further information or advice on the effects of the new legislation can be obtained from:

Forest Service

Private Woodlands and Plant Health Branch

Dundonald House

Upper Newtownards Road

Belfast BT4 3SB

Tel. 028 9052 4116