Amador County - Many Amador County residents are concerned about the rapid spread of Sudden Oak Death in California, but according to officials, no local reports of the pathogen have been made.

But this doesn’t mean there is no reason for concern.

According to Sean Kriletich, University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Program Representative, “It is still a concern because occasionally we’ll get firewood that is coming in from the coast that could be potentially carrying remnants of the disease.” Kriletich spoke with TSPN earlier this year.

Also known as Phytophthora Ramorum, the previously unknown and recently introduced non-native pathogen has killed hundreds of thousands of tan and oak trees in 14 coastal California counties.

A number of dying trees have been reported upcountry, but Kriletich said these deaths are due to other factors. He said these deaths were “likely due to the long-term and persistent drought conditions in our region” or other, less serious pathogens.

“If we do have it here this is truly worrisome and we need to act as soon as possible,” he said.

Earlier this month, researchers at UC Berkeley created a map that tracks the Sudden Oak Death pathogen in order to assist scientists who study the disease. The map allows residents to see whether they are within a 50,000-yard range of an infected oak tree so they can take preventative measures, such as spraying chemical compounds to boost the immunity of the oak trees.

Scientists say most infected oak trees can live up to 11 years unless beetles attack them, cutting the life span down to three years.

To view the UC Berkeley map and track the pathogen’s progress, go to www.dailycal.org.

Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.