Chronology

For a printable PDF of chronology: P. ramorum Chronology
Also see the P. ramorum Nursery Chronology
Acronym Glossary.

1/08

Oregon's Curry County quarantine area is officially expanded to 162 square miles, following the State's amendment to their P. ramorum quarantine. For the first time, nurseries and a lumber mill are located within the quarantine area. ODA is working with affected businesses to set up the compliance agreements and inspection schedules necessary to meet federal interstate shipping requirements.

12/07

Corylopsis spicata (spike witch hazel - Hamamelidaceae) and Physocarpus opulifolius (ninebark - Rosaceae) are added to the list of federally regulated associated host plants. The CFIA found both plants naturally infected in a BC, Canada nursery. Spike witch hazel symptoms were identified as leaf necrosis and ninebark symptoms included leaf necrosis and dieback.

11/07

ODA publishes a notice to amend the state quarantine for
P. ramorum and the regulated area for nursery stock. The proposed amendments include increasing the Curry County P. ramorum quarantine area to 166 square miles (including five newly detected sites outside of the existing quarantine area) and it would harmonize the state's P. ramorum rules with current federal regulations and protocols.

10/07

P. ramorum inoculum was baited from Norton Creek (a small coastal stream in northern Humboldt County in the town of McKinleyville) early in the summer of 2006, with a repeat detection in the spring of 2007. The recovered isolates have been genotyped, revealing that two lineages are present: the Northern American (NA1) and European (EU1). This is the first find in North America of the EU1 lineage in a wildland environment. Efforts are being made to determine the spore source location, including exhaustive streamside surveys. A small retail nursery in downtown McKinleyville has been found to have P. ramorum-positive plants, including three plants confirmed with the EU1 strain, but the nursery is located in a different watershed than the infested stream. No definitive linkages between the nursery and stream have been established.

(back to top)

9/07

Garrya elliptica and Mahonia aquifolium are now regulated by the USDA APHIS for P. ramorum. Nurseries operating under a compliance agreement may continue to ship hosts and associated plants, including the newly listed plants. However, all other nurseries containing these newly listed plants must be properly inspected, sampled, tested, and placed under a Compliance Agreement by September 7, 2007 in order to be able to move regulated plants interstate.

8/07

The EU implements changes to their P. ramorum regulations. The decision amends the list of plants, wood, and bark susceptible to P. ramorum; increases from one to two the number of official inspections of specific species of susceptible plants in places of production and extends eradication measures to cover growing media and plant debris as well as sanitizing the surface upon which infected plants have been standing.

7/07

Rhododendrons planted along a residential roadway are found P. ramorum positive in Thurston County, WA. WSDA has implemented the landscape protocol; all rhododendrons along the roadway have been destroyed. The positive plants were provided to the landscaper from an out of state West Coast nursery.

6/07

Following the April P. ramorum-positive stream baiting sample taken from the Sammamish River in King County, WA, WSU and WSDA collaborated with USDA ARS to genotype 40 isolates sampled from 12 nurseries both within and outside the Sammamish watershed in an attempt to trace the origin of the river isolate. Upon analysis, the Sammamish River isolate has a unique fingerprint that matches an isolate from a landscape supplier located outside of the watershed. While not a conclusive study, the finding does suggest the Sammamish River isolate may have been introduced from nursery stock originating from this wholesaler.
Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium [Pursh] Nutt. - Berberidaceae Family) is found P. ramorum-positive for the first time at a Canadian nursery. Symptoms are primarily foliar, and include leaf spots and discoloration. This host species is native to the West Coast of the US. APHIS is reviewing the findings and anticipates adding Oregon Grape to the list of P. ramorum-regulated hosts soon.

(back to top)

5/07

The MS Forestry Commission, MS Department of Agriculture, USDA FS, and USDA APHIS develop a follow-up survey plan in response to the P. ramorum water baiting confirmation made in MS last month. The plan includes immediately implementing stream baiting, soil baiting around the edge of the waterway where the positives were obtained, and vegetation surveys. These same survey activities will be repeated in the fall.

4/07

The 2007 National P. ramorum Early Detection Stream Baiting Survey for Forests has recovered two P. ramorum-positive samples. One of the positive recoveries is from WA state and one from MS. The positive western WA river sample was recovered downstream from several confirmed nurseries. The source of the inoculum has not been determined. The MS confirmation was made from a ditch draining a P. ramorum-positive nursery. The pathogen has not been detected in vegetation outside the nursery.
OR has removed all tanoak and evergreen huckleberry within the treatment boundary established as a result of the new outbreak identified in March 2007. Piles will be burned as soon as conditions are appropriate.

3/07

OR has identified a new P. ramorum outbreak that is approximately 1.5 miles north of their current quarantine area. The site was detected during ground-based surveys being conducted as a follow-up to a P. ramorum-positive water baiting sample.
The European P. ramorum lineage has been reported for the first time in CA. It was recovered from three Humboldt County nursery isolates taken in spring of 2006 and analyzed as part of a genetic study of P. ramorum isolates from CDFA. Current samples have been taken at the nursery; results are pending. Trace-back investigations are underway for the 2006 confirmations.
ODA increases the size of OR's quarantine area to 24.25 sq. mi. following recent discoveries of new P. ramorum infection centers in Curry County. There are now three areas under quarantine: two small satellite infection areas that are 1 sq. mi. each in size and the original area that has increased to 22.25 sq. mi. Eradication efforts are ongoing in all three quarantine areas.

(back to top)

2/07

Sixteen silk tassel bush (Garrya elliptica) plants are found P. ramorum-positive for the first time in the UK. This host species is a West Coast US native. APHIS is reviewing the findings and anticipates adding silk tassel bush to the P. ramorum-regulated host list soon.
The new USDA APHIS P. ramorum regulation "Phytophthora ramorum; Quarantine and Regulations" is published February 27, 2007 in the Federal Register. This rule primarily codifies the Federal Order issued in December 2004 that established restrictions on the interstate movement of nursery stock from nurseries in nonquarantined areas in CA, OR, and WA. The rule also incorporates all updates (SPROs) issued since the original APHIS regulation was published in 2002, most of which are updates to the host list.

1/07

The Tiffany Creek Preserve in Nassau County, NY is officially confirmed P. ramorum-free. One PCR P. ramorum-positive red oak forest find was made at the Preserve in 2005. With all findings remaining negative, the area is now officially considered P. ramorum-free and will no longer fall under regulatory scrutiny.
The UK finds Schima wallichii (Chinese guger tree) to be a new P. ramorum host. The symptomatic foliar samples were taken outdoors from a historic garden near Cornwall in 2006. USDA APHIS is reviewing the findings and anticipates adding Chinese guger tree to either the host or associated host list soon.
P. ramorum continues to spread in Mendocino County with new detections north of Elk. Sudden Oak Death is now present in patches along the Highway 128 corridor from Highway 101 west, to within 4 miles of the Pacific Ocean.
The USDA FS, Forest Health Protection, Pacific Southwest Region has published their "2006 Accomplishment Report: Aerial and Targeted Ground-Based Monitoring for Sudden Oak Death." In 2006, crews confirmed 10 new P. ramorum detections - 9 in southern Mendocino County and 1 in southern Monterey County. There were no detections in Del Norte, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, or Santa Barbara Counties, nor were there detections in the northern parts of Mendocino and Humboldt Counties.
Two new P. ramorum A2 isolates from the EU lineage are identified in Belgium. Both new isolates originated from nurseries in northern Belgium from two separate sites and from different hosts (Rhododendron and Viburnum). One isolate was from a 2002 survey, and the other from a 2003 survey. The isolates were found during a screening of 257 isolates collected between 2002 and the end of 2005.

12/06

In 2006, 35 new P. ramorum-infested sites (139 infected tanoak trees) were discovered in Curry County, OR. This is the highest number of detections since the eradication effort began in 2001. Two of the new sites occurred outside of the quarantine zone, with each site more than 2 miles from a known infestation. The largest new site covered 10 acres and contained more than 40 infected trees. In addition to the new sites, six existing eradication sites have been expanded to include infected trees that were found near their perimeters. All sites will be treated and the quarantine area will be expanded.
In 2006, USDA APHIS reported 62 sites in 11 states as having had nursery-related P. ramorum detections. Positive findings by state are: AL(1), CA(28), CT(1), FL(2), GA(1), IN(1), ME(1), MS(1), OR(13), PA(1), and WA(12).

11/06

UC Cooperative Extension (Valachovic and others), CDF, and CSP finish burning 45 acres of public and private land, closing out the 2006 experimental silvicultural treatment for managing the spread and persistence of P. ramorum in southern Humboldt County.

(back to top)

9/06

Researchers report that sequencing the Phytophthora sojae and P. ramorum genomes has revealed that these Phytophthoras have an unprecedented number of genes and genetic flexibility compared to fungal pathogens. Results also indicate that these pathogens have a large arsenal of recently acquired proteins, such as toxins, protein inhibitors, and enzymes that likely enable them to debilitate a host plant's immune system during infection and then kill and destroy plant tissue later on in the infection process. Studies disclosed that nearly half of the genes are undergoing rapid adaptation, likely as a result of pressure from the host plants' defense systems.
Koch's postulates are completed for: Acer pseudoplatanus, Aesculus hippocastanum, Laurus nobilis, and Michelia doltsopa. Consequently, these hosts will be reclassified from the APHIS "Plants Associated with P. ramorum" list to the list of "Proven Hosts Regulated for P. ramorum.
The FS and states are conducting nursery perimeter and general forest detection surveys. To date, 567 nursery perimeter surveys have been conducted in 29 states, with 1,498 samples collected. Additionally, 320 general forest surveys have been conducted in 29 states, with 765 samples collected. To date, all samples tested have been found negative for the pathogen.

8/06

Ceanothus thyrsiflorus, Cinnamomum camphora, Kalmia angustifolia, Nerium oleander, Osmanthus fragrans, Osmanthus heterophyllus, and Quercus acuta are officially added to the APHIS list of regulated "Plants Associated with Phytophthora ramorum."
Fagus sylvatica, Kalmia latifolia, Quercus cerris, Salix caprea, and Viburnum spp. are transferred from the APHIS "Plants Associated with P. ramorum" list to the "Proven Hosts Regulated for P. ramorum" list, based on the completion of Koch's postulates.
Eucalyptus haemastoma Sm. (Myrtle family), Cornus kousa x Cornus capitata (Dogwood family), and Castanopsis orthacantha Franchet (Beech family) are added to the UK DEFRA list of Plants Reported as Natural Hosts of P. ramorum. All three hosts were found P. ramorum-positive in the United Kingdom. APHIS is researching the findings and anticipates adding these plants to APHIS "Plants Associated with P. ramorum" list soon.
Canada adds five new genera to the CFIA P. ramorum host list: Loropetalum, Distylium, Manglietia, Parakmeria, and Ilex. These additions are the result of positive confirmations from the species: Loropetalum chinese, Distylium myricoides, Manglietia insignis, Parakmeria lotungensis, and Ilex purpurea. APHIS is reviewing the findings and anticipates adding the new hosts to the APHIS "Plants Associated with P. ramorum" list in the near future.
Researchers report findings of P. ramorum infecting Camellia flower buds. This is the first report of camellia flower bud infection in the field with the North American genotype of P. ramorum.

7/06

Researchers report P. ramorum reduces xylem sapflow and specific conductivity of sapwood in mature tanoak. This is the first report that P. ramorum interferes with water conductance.
Summer aerial surveys mapping oak and tanoak mortality in Mendocino, Humboldt, Del Norte, San Luis Obispo, western San Benito, and Santa Barbara Counties, as well as western Monterey County, are complete. In total, approximately 20,000 acres of mortality were mapped, 9,000,000 acres surveyed, and 6,667 miles flown. Follow-up ground-check surveys, are under way.

(back to top)

6/06

Researchers report findings in Humboldt County of natural infection of tanoak seedling roots by P. ramorum. This is the first report that P. ramorum can be recovered from roots of naturally occurring forest vegetation.
Osmanthus fragrans (sweet olive) and Osmanthus heterophyllus (false holly), are found P. ramorum-positive in a Humboldt County nursery. APHIS is reviewing the findings and anticipates adding these new species to the APHIS P. ramorum associated host list in the near future.
APHIS confirms Nerium oleander (Oleander) to be a new P. ramorum-associated host when delimitation survey samples from the Humboldt County facility are confirmed positive.
The first P. ramorum-positive beech in the Netherlands is reported. Symptoms include stem bleeding. This is the first time a plant species native to the Netherlands has been identified with the pathogen. At both locations the affected beech are surrounded by heavily infected rhododendrons.

5/06

P. ramorum is detected on dead tanoaks a few miles outside the OR quarantine area on OR State Parks and Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest-administered lands near Brookings, OR. This is the first find of P. ramorum on USDA FS land in OR.

4/06

The Government Accountability Office's report, "Invasive Forest Pests: Lessons Learned from Three Recent Infestations May Aid in Managing Future Efforts," (GAO-06-353, April 2006) is published. The report evaluates the federal response to three invasive forest pests: Asian longhorned beetle, emerald ash borer, and P. ramorum. The report can be accessed at: http://searching.gao.gov/query.html?col=+&qt=+sudden+oak+death&charset=iso-8859-1&ql.
"Sudden Oak Death and Phytophthora ramorum: A Guide for Forest Managers, Christmas Tree Growers, and Forest Tree Nursery Operators in Oregon and Washington" is published and can be found online at: at: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pdf/em/em8877.pdf.
The USDA FS, PSW Research Station 2006 P. ramorum RFP process is complete. In total, 46 proposals seeking over $5 million in research funds were received. However, due to limited funding, only nine projects were awarded, totaling approximately $665,000.

(back to top)

3/06

The first finding of P. ramorum-infected Ceanothus thyrsiflorus (blue blossom) is confirmed from southern Humboldt County, growing along the road within a P. ramorum treatment area in the lower Salmon Creek watershed. Symptomatic tissue includes leaves, stems, and shoot tips. USDA APHIS is reviewing the findings and anticipates adding Ceanothus thyrsiflorus to the federal P. ramorum host list soon.
New Zealand issues a public notice addressing nursery stock importation concerns, including risk mitigation measures and the host list for P. ramorum. With the exception of high-value plants for which the risk of P. ramorum is mitigated, hosts of P. ramorum are only permitted to be imported from countries recognized by New Zealand as Pest-Free Areas, which currently include: Australia, Canada, Israel, and South Africa. The proposed date of adoption and enforcement is May 29, 2006.
Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu issue a public notice proposing a draft amendment of the "Quarantine Requirements for the importation of plants or plant products." Among the changes is the designation of P. ramorum as a quarantine pest, whereby: "The importation of living plants (excluding flowers, fruits and seeds) of its hosts will be prohibited. Regions or countries affected include: Belgium, British Channel Islands, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, BC, CA, FL, GA, OR, and WA.

2/06

A water sample taken from a seasonal stream in Pierce County, WA is confirmed P. ramorum-positive. Plants from the adjacent nursery tested positive in 2004 and 2005. Agencies are monitoring the water upstream and downstream from the positive site to determine the extent of water contamination. Monitoring for signs of infestation throughout the immediate watershed area outside of the nursery will also be conducted.
APHIS issues a SPRO Letter, adding 13 new plant species to the federal P. ramorum associated host list. The SPRO can be found on the APHIS website under "Revision of Listed and Regulated Articles" dated 2/10/06 at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/pram/regulations.shtml
Koch's postulates are completed for Frangula purshiana (formerly listed as Rhamnus purshiana), Adiantum aleuticum, and Adiantum jordanii. Consequently, APHIS reclassifies these associated hosts as hosts.
Acer circinatum and Arctostaphylos columbiana samples from Humboldt County are confirmed P. ramorum-positive via culturing. APHIS is reviewing the findings and anticipates adding these two species to the host list in the near future.

(back to top)

1/06

California's southern Humboldt County P. ramorum experimental treatment and suppression project begins on CA State Parks property along the Avenue of the Giants. The project includes the removal of infected tanoak, CA bay laurel, and madrone trees, as well as the pruning of coast redwood trees in a 50-acre area.
Canada notified the US of 5 new genera of nursery plants found in BC to be infected with P. ramorum. The new host genera under Canadian regulation since December include: Ardisia, Euonymus, Gaultheria, Osmanthus, and Prunus.
The Canadian nursery industry intensifies their P. ramorum Nursery Certification Program, which includes annual sampling and testing, training, and independent audits, as well as more rigorous BMPs to be implemented by August 2006.
The first 2006 P. ramorum-positive California nursery is identified during a compliance agreement inspection. The find was made on a Camellia japonica in a Los Angeles County production nursery that only sells plants to local landscapers and does not ship plant material. CNP is underway at the facility. This nursery was also found P. ramorum-positive during last year's compliance agreement inspection, and had completed CNP in May 2005.

12/05

In 2005, USDA APHIS reported 99 sites in seven states have had nursery-related P. ramorum detections. Positive findings by state are: CA(55), GA(4), LA(2), OR(20), TN(1), SC(1), and WA(16).

11/05

The 2006 Agriculture appropriations bill is passed by the Senate, and includes $3,076,000 for P. ramorum detection, monitoring, control, and eradication, as well as $98,000 for disease research being conducted at UC Davis. The bill now goes to the President for final approval. (These appropriations only include USDA APHIS, ARS, and CSREES funding allotments.).
P. ramorum is first detected from California red fir (Abies magnifica) symptomatic shoots at a Christmas tree farm near Los Gatos, CA.
The state-funded CA SOD Hazardous Tree Removal Program comes to a close. In all, approximately 4,020 trees were removed under the contract for a cost of $1,503,645, averaging $374 per removal.

(back to top)

10/05

A new P. ramorum-infested site in Humboldt County has been confirmed 6 miles north of the Garberville/Redway area on Humboldt Redwoods State Park property along the Avenue of the Giants.
Results of the 2005 western North Carolina pilot stream sampling project found fifteen different Phytophthora species in monthly samplings between 4/05 and 8/05. P. ramorum was not detected, although sampling will continue through November. A 2005 monthly stream baiting pilot project in 10 Washington state streams also detected no P. ramorum.
In spring of 2005, ODA surveyed 103 Christmas tree plantations planted in Abies spp. and Pseudotsuga menziesii for P. ramorum. Christmas tree plantations in 22 Oregon counties were surveyed; P. ramorum was not detected in any of the samples.
To date, the United Kingdom has found P. ramorum in rivers and streams near some outbreak sites, as well as at 475 sites in England and 34 sites in Wales, in addition to a number of sites in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Channel Isles. England's totals include 380 retail and nursery confirmations, in addition to 95 established gardens, woods, and other wild planting areas. Wales' totals include 26 retail and nursery confirmations along with eight established gardens, woods, and other wild planting areas.
The 2005 National P. ramorum Survey of Forest Environments results to date include surveys at 519 nursery perimeter locations and 472 forest locations with 2,038 submitted samples. As of 10/31, all samples have been negative for P. ramorum.
Viburnum opulus (=V. trilobum) - (American cranberry viburnum) was found to be P. ramorum-positive at a nursery in Clackamas County, Oregon on 6/6/05. USDA APHIS has reviewed the findings and expects to add American cranberry viburnum to the P. ramorum associated host list soon.
Real-time PCR is validated by USDA APHIS PPQ CPHST for providing diagnostic determinations for the P. ramorum federal emergency program.

9/05

CDFA confirms the detection of P. ramorum on Abies concolor (white fir) at a Christmas tree farm in the quarantined county of Santa Clara, CA. This is the first report of the pathogen on this species of Abies. Koch's postulates have not been completed. USDA APHIS has reviewed the CDFA data and expects to add A. concolor to the official list of associated host plants soon.
The California Sudden Oak Death/P. ramorum National Wildland Survey is complete. Detection surveys in areas identified as moderate to high-risk for infection in eastern Butte and Yuba Counties were conducted. P. ramorum was not detected.
USDA issues a strategic plan for P. ramorum, titled: "Plant Diseases Caused by Phytophthora ramorum: A National Strategic Plan for USDA." The report addresses Department goals for P. ramorum detection, control, management, research, and restoration programs.
USDA APHIS issues an updated State Plant Regulatory Official Letter, adding Acer laevigatum (Evergreen maple), Michelia doltsopa (Michelia), and Quercus petraea (Sessile oak), Adiantum aleuticum (Maidenhair fern), Fraxinus latifolia (Oregon ash), Osmorhiza chilensis (Sweet Cicely), Torreya californica (California nutmeg), and Vancouveria planipetala (Redwood ivy) to the list of associated host plants regulated for P. ramorum. The addition of these eight plants brings the list of regulated P. ramorum host and associated hosts to 83.

(back to top)

8/05

The 2005 Phytophthora ramorum Humboldt County aerial, ground, and stream survey efforts reveal disease intensification and spread in southern Humboldt County, with at least 21 square milesnow infested.
APHIS receives information on three new P. ramorum-infected plants from the UK. Acer laevigatum (Evergreen maple), Michelia doltsopa (Michelia), and Quercus petraea (Sessile oak) were found in outdoor, green areas with natural infection. Koch's Postulates have not been completed; these plants will join the APHIS associated host list.
Five new P. ramorum hosts are identified in California's quarantined county forests. The newly confirmed P. ramorum-susceptible plants are: Adiantum aleuticum (Maidenhair fern), Fraxinus latifolia (Oregon ash), Osmorhiza chilensis (Sweet Cicely), Torreya californica (California nutmeg), and Vancouveria planipetala (Redwood ivy). Koch's Postulates have not been completed; these plants will be added to the APHIS associated host list.
APHIS issues an updated State Plant Regulatory Official (SPRO) Letter, adding eight new associated host plants and two new host plants to the list of plants regulated for P. ramorum. The addition of these 10 plants brings the list of regulated P. ramorum host and associated hosts to 75. To refer to the SPRO, go to: www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/pram/downloads/pdf_file s/usdaprlist.pdf.
Six hosts are moved from the associated host list to the host list, with all having Koch's Postulates complete and having been approved by APHIS. The six newly classified hosts are: Castanea sativa, Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus falcata, Quercus ilex, Syringa vulgaris, and Taxus baccata.
P. ramorum federal order compliance agreements, trace-forward/-back investigations, the USDA APHIS National Nursery Survey, and other investigations are ongoing. For 2005, 91 nursery-related sites in seven states have had P. ramorum detections. Positive findings by state are: CA(53), GA(4), LA(2), OR(20), TN(1), SC(1), and WA(10).

7/05

The first P. ramorum-infected Taxus media is reported from the Netherlands, making it the third type of yew to be identified as P. ramorum-susceptible. Koch's postulates have not been completed; this plant has been added to the APHIS list of P. ramorum associated host plants.

6/05

The SODBusters Pilot Project, which organized and implemented two collection yards for P. ramorum host material in Marin and Santa Cruz Counties, officially ends June 30, 2005.
The first Phytophthora ramorum caused cankers on Taxus brevifolia (Pacific yew) are identified on a tree in Mendocino County.
P. ramorum is recovered from symptomatic tissues of California maidenhair fern (Adiantum jordanii) and spice bush (Calycanthus occidentalis) collected at Jack London State Park, Sonoma County, CA. Pending the review of laboratory results by CDFA and USDA APHIS, these hosts will be added to the associated host list.
USDA FS PSW is funding 12 of 40 proposals submitted during the FY'05 USDA PSW P. ramorum Request for Proposals, resulting in $800,000 in allocations during this funding cycle.
USDA APHIS publishes a final rule amending treatment regulations for California bay laurel (Umbellularia californica) leaves to include vacuum heat as a treatment option for leaves moving interstate from an area under P. ramorum quarantine.

4/05

APHIS confirms the presence of P. ramorum on an OR jasmine plant sample. As a result, ODA, APHIS, and others are working to determine jasmine's status as a host of P. ramorum.
OR reports four trace-forward positives in residential settings. The residential finds originated at a nursery found positive in 2004. Delimitation surveys confirmed the disease has apparently not spread to other plants already in the landscapes. Infected plants have been removed and incinerated.
The first P. ramorum-positive Acer pseudoplatanus (Planetree maple) is confirmed at a P. ramorum woodland garden site in Cornwall, UK. Pending USDA review and approval, it will be added to the US list of P. ramorum-regulated plants.
The UK completes Koch's postulates on: sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa), Holm oak (Quercus ilex), and European ash (Fraxinus excelsior). Following USDA review and approval, plants will be moved to the US P. ramorum host list.
The CFIA issues an updated P. ramorum directive 3/1/05, superseding the 9/25/03 order in response to the USDA APHIS 12/21/04 Emergency Order. USDA APHIS is provided $9.5 million in emergency funds through the USDA CCC to help support P. ramorum regulatory activities in 2005.

(back to top)

3/05

USDA APHIS has changed its P. ramorum website address to www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/pram/downloads/pdf_file s/usdaprlist.pdf in order to refer to the site by the pathogen's name, rather than Sudden Oak Death, which only represents one of the diseases caused by P. ramorum.
Both the APHIS PPQ Beltsville National Plant Germplasm and Biotechnology Laboratory (NPGBL) and the CDFA laboratory in Sacramento have encountered a Phytophthora species that inconsistently produces bands similar to that produced by P. ramorum when using nested PCR. The new species is being temporarily referred to as Phytophthora "azalea." Based on morphology and partial ITS sequence, the newly identified species is not a strain or subspecies of P. ramorum.

2/05

APHIS proposes an amendment to the PPQ Treatment Manual that would allow California bay laurel leaves to be treated with vacuum heat before being moved interstate from any area under P. ramorum quarantine, providing an alternative to the currently approved hot water dip.

1/05

DEFRA identifies six new plants associated with P. ramorum: Griselinia littoralis (NZ privet), Hamamelis mollis (Chinese witch-hazel), Magnolia stellata (star magnolia), Magnolia x loebneri (Loebner magnolia), Magnolia x soulangeana (saucer or Japanese magnolia), and Parrotia persica (Persian Parrotia or irontree). It is anticipated that APHIS will soon be adding these species to their official P. ramorum associated host list.
The Second Sudden Oak Death Science Symposium, held in Monterey, CA, is attended by 350 people, and includes 80 formal presentations and 47 posters. While wildland issues and P. ramorum epidemiology continue to be areas of interest at the Symposium, increased areas of emphasis from the 2002 symposium include nursery issues, soil considerations, and pathogen and host genetics.
HR-4569 (Burns, GA), calling for a national plan for the control and management of Sudden Oak Death, is signed into law, directing the Secretary of Agriculture, through USDA APHIS, to develop the plan in consultation with other federal agencies. Funding is not included in the Bill.
A previously identified P. ramorum-positive nursery in Los Angeles County, CA has found new infection on a camellia. Identifying one symptomatic plant, leaf samples were taken and cultured on-site. Following CDFA's review and confirmation of the nursery's sample, the USDA's CNP has been implemented. Trace-forward information has been submitted for follow-up investigations.

12/04

USDA APHIS issues an emergency federal order for nurseries that takes effect on 1/10/05, superseding the 4/22/04 emergency order. The new order regulates the interstate movement of all plants from all nurseries in CA, OR, and WA to help prevent the spread of P. ramorum to uninfested areas of the US.
With the issuance of the new USDA APHIS emergency P. ramorum order, Canada will rescind regulations on cut flowers (including roses) implemented as a result of the P. ramorum nursery infestations in March 2004. With the new federal order in place, Canada will accept any material leaving CA, OR, or WA that is in compliance with the US rules.
False Solomon's seal (Maianthemum racemosum, formerly Smilacina racemosa), Calluna vulgaris (Scotch heather), and Photinia fraseri (Red tip photinia) are moved from the APHIS associated host list to the host list, due to the completion of Koch's postulates for each species.
USDA APHIS adds Fraxinus excelsior (European ash) and Nothofagus oblique (Roble beech) to the federal P. ramorum regulation, based on detection and confirmation in the UK, where P. ramorum was found infecting the boles of these species.
In 2004, there have been 177 USDA APHIS confirmed positive P. ramorum sites in 22 states from trace-forward, national, and other surveys. The breakdown per state is: AL(3), AR(1), AZ(1), CA(55), CO(1), CT(3), FL(6), GA(16), LA(5), MD(3), NC(9), NJ(1), NM(1), NY(1), OK(1), OR(24), PA(2), SC(4), TN(2), TX(11), VA(2), and WA(25).

(back to top)

11/04

Omnibus appropriations for federal P. ramorum funding in 2005 total $9.89 million. The Agricultural Appropriations Bill earmarked $1.45 million for ARS; $94,000 for CSREES; and $3 million to APHIS. The Interior Appropriations Bill earmarked $2 million to USDA FS Cooperative Lands Forest Health Management and $2.5 million to USDA FS Forest and Range Land Research.
ODA receives and approves a revised federal label for the use of Agrichem's Agri-Fos® (11/22/04, EPA Registration #71962-1) on landscape, golf course, nursery, forestry, and park sites for Phytophthora and Pythium diseases, including Sudden Oak Death.
The federal "Confirmed Residential Protocol for Phytophthora ramorum Detections in Landscaped Residential or Commercial Settings" is posted to the USDA APHIS PPQ website.

10/04

To date, the USDA FS P. ramorum Nursery Perimeter and General Forest Survey has sampled 620 nursery perimeter locations in 32 states. Of the 2,454 samples submitted, all were P. ramorum-negative. 404 general forest locations in 18 states have also been surveyed, with 1,249 samples submitted. Of those submitted, two confirmations from CA's Golden Gate Park in San Francisco County tested P. ramorum-positive.
The USDA APHIS PPQ P. ramorum National Nursery Survey activities are complete in 38 states and Puerto Rico. To date, participating states throughout the US have surveyed 3,095 sites and have collected 50,820 samples. Fifteen survey sites have been confirmed positive.
UK Minister for Plant Health and Forestry Ben Bradshaw announces conditional financial assistance for nurseries suffering hardships related to actions taken to protect the wider UK environment from P. ramorum.
Seven new P. ramorum infested areas are detected in Humboldt County a few miles from the Redway suppression area. Suppression projects are planned for these new finds. P. ramorum is also recovered from the South Fork of the Eel River, approximately 8 km downstream from the Redway suppression area.

9/04

CDFA announces the confirmation of two P. ramorum-infected coast live oak trees in Golden Gate Park, making San Francisco County the 14^th CA county under P. ramorum quarantine.
WSDA begins testing symptomatic and asymptomatic plants coming into the state before unloading shipments in an effort to prevent new P. ramorum introductions on host nursery stock.
The National Plant Quarantine Service, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Republic of Korea modifies its "Tentative phytosanitary measures to prevent the introduction of Sudden Oak Death Disease." Updates to the regulation include the addition of Nassau County, NY, as well as 22 new plant species. These emergency measures prohibit the importation of any propagative host material, such as nursery stock and cuttings, as well as wood (with bark) and growing media from the prohibited areas.

(back to top)

8/04

APHIS adds Calluna vulgaris (Scotch Heather), Drimys winteri (Winter's-bark), Laurus nobilis (Sweet bay laurel), and Salix caprea (Kilmarnock willow) to the P. ramorum associated host plant list.
APHIS removes Vaccinium vitis-idaea (lingonberry) from the P. ramorum associated host plant list because the Plant Protection and Seed Service of Poland is unable to validate their original association of lingonberry with P. ramorum.

7/04

Mexico is considering quarantining Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga) and fir (Abies) Christmas trees from areas of the US with P. ramorum to prevent introduction of the pathogen into Mexico. and Markets.
CAN files a federal suit against KY, charging the state with violating federal law by banning the importation and sale of CA's P. ramorum host and associated plants. The lawsuit is based on a provision in the federal Plant Protection Act that gives the USDA authority over interstate plant movement. A federal district judge for the Eastern District of KY signs a consent decree on 7/30 permanently enjoining KY from having P. ramorum regulations that are inconsistent with the federal standard.
The first finding of P. ramorum in a Switzerland nursery has been confirmed on viburnum.

6/04

A PCR-positive P. ramorum sample from Nassau County, NY is confirmed by USDA APHIS. Follow-up surveys are being conducted by a team from the USDA's FS and APHIS, as well as the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets.
US Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Gordon Smith (R-OR) introduce the Sudden Oak Death Syndrome Control Act of 2004 (S.2575). If passed, the Act would authorize $44.2 million annually, including $25 million for USDA research, regulations, and monitoring; $18.5 million for management, treatment, and fire; and $700,000 for education and outreach.
Clintonia andrewsiana (Andrew's clintonia bead lily), Dryopteris arguta (California wood fern), Smilacina racemosa (false Solomon's seal), and Taxus brevifolia (Pacific yew) are added to the APHIS P. ramorum associated host list.
The US DOE Joint Genome Institute and the Virginia Bioinformatics Institute announce the completion of the DNA sequencing of Phytophthora ramorum and Phytophthora sojae (a soybean pathogen). The new information will provide a foundation for future diagnostics, in addition to safe and effective applications for use in disease treatment and/or control. Sequencing information can be found at http://genome.jgi-psf.org/ramorum and at http://genome.jgi-psf.org/sojae/.
To date, 140 nurseries in 18 states have had P. ramorum detections. Positive findings by state are: CA(45), AL(3), AR(1), FL(6), WA(18), OR(9), TX(10), CO(1), GA(13), LA(6), MD(2), NC(9), NM(1), TN(2), PA(1), NJ(1), SC(1), and VA(1). In all, 787,842 plants have been destroyed. Fourteen states are still imposing quarantine regulations on CA beyond those ordered by APHIS PPQ.
USDA APHIS begins regulating Camellia spp. (including all species, hybrids, and cultivars) at the genus level.

(back to top)

5/04

USDA transfers $15.5 million from the CCC to APHIS PPQ to help halt the spread of P. ramorum to non-infested areas of the US. USDA PPQ has now committed at total of $20 million to the program in fiscal year 2004. USDA PPQ will apply the funds to quarantine actions, nursery inspections, sampling and testing, and Sudden Oak Death education and outreach.
Lake County is confirmed as the 13^th CA county to have P. ramorum naturally occurring. As an infested county, Lake County will be added to the quarantine area.
Fifteen states are currently implementing P. ramorum regulations beyond those issued by USDA APHIS.

4/04

USDA APHIS issues an amended emergency order restricting the movement of CA nursery stock by requiring CA nurseries that ship P. ramorum hosts or associated plants interstate to be inspected by a regulatory official, sampled, and tested before shipping (see Nursery Chronology).
CO, FL, GA, LA, MD, NC, NM TN, TX, VA have confirmations of P. ramorum-infected nursery stock shipments from the West Coast (see Nursery Chronology).
AL, OR, and LA update their P. ramorum quarantines (see Nursery Chronology).
Formosa firethorn (Pyracantha koidzumii) is added to the P. ramorum associated host list following a CFIA find at a Vancouver area nursery (see Nursery Chronology).
UCB researchers confirm the susceptibility of wood rose (Rosa gymnocarpa) to P. ramorum; USDA APHIS adds it to the host list.
San Joaquin and Butte Counties each have a P. ramorum-positive nursery confirmed.

(back to top)

3/04

The federal government earmarks $7.4 million in funding for P. ramorum in 2004. Funds are allocated as follows: $1.5 million to the USDA ARS for research on horticultural aspects of P. ramorum, including $250,000 for a new genomics research program at the UCD ARS laboratory for analysis of resistance to the pathogen; $2 million to USDA APHIS for P. ramorum quarantine, enforcement, inspection, and monitoring; $2 million to USDA Forest Service Research for research; and $1.7 million to the USDA FS, State and Private Forestry, for management, monitoring, and education.
P. ramorum is found at a large Los Angeles County, CA wholesale horticultural nursery. The pathogen was detected on several varieties of camellia plants as part of the National P. ramorum Nursery Survey. Trace-forward surveys for the past year's worth of shipments are underway (see Nursery Chronology).
P. ramorum is confirmed via culture and PCR at a San Marcos, CA (San Diego County) mail order nursery. The survey was part of the California's National P. ramorum nursery survey. Trace-back surveys indicated infected camellias originated from the large Los Angeles County wholesale nursery found to be infested (see Nursery Chronology).
The USDA APHIS PPQ program announces a Sudden Oak Death hotline (1-888-703-4457). Specialists are staffing the APHIS Emergency Operations center in Riverdale, MD to handle nationwide calls from the nursery and landscape industry, news organizations, and the general public in response to positive P. ramorum confirmations in two Southern CA nurseries.
WA issues an emergency order requiring nurseries receiving trees and plants from out-of-state to hold them for 24 hours until WDA is notified.
AL, DE, MS, FL, GA, UT, TN, WV, LA, MT, VA, KY, and IN impose state-specific P. ramorum quarantines as a result of the Southern CA nursery confirmations (see Nursery Chronology).
FL identifies three nurseries as having P. ramorum-positive plants (see Nursery Chronology).

(back to top)

2/04

A P. ramorum slow-the-spread project in Humboldt County is initiated with the removal and disposal of 77 infected California bay laurel trees in Redway.
The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation awards approximately $2.5 million for P. ramorum research to Matteo Garbelotto, Richard Dodd, and Ellen Simms of UC Berkeley, and Dave Rizzo of UC Davis. The three-year grant covers control, resistance, genetics, epidemiology, and other P. ramorum-related topics.
Canadian regulators add the Hamamelis and Fagus genera to the Canadian P. ramorum quarantine. The decision is in response to the UK confirmation of P. ramorum on witch hazel and European beech.
ODA finalizes its interim rule requiring recipients of out-of-state tree and shrub nursery stock deliveries to notify ODA of the shipment within 24 hours for possible inspection of the plants.

1/04

Six new hosts are added to the APHIS (7 CFR 301.92) and CDFA P. ramorum quarantine. The plants and restricted plant parts are: Camellia sasanqua (nursery stock and leaves); Pieris formosa x japonica (nursery stock, twigs, and leaves); Pieris floribunda x japonica (nursery stock, twigs and leaves); Pieris japonica (nursery stock, twigs, and leaves); Viburnum plicatum var. tomentosum (nursery stock and all plant parts); and Hamamelis virginiana (nursery stock, twigs, and leaves).
P. ramorum is detected on Rhododendron v. Unique at a third WA nursery near Long Beach, Pacific County. The find came as the result of a King County, WA, nursery trace-back survey.

(back to top)

12/03

P. ramorum is found infecting beech, southern and northern red oak, Holm oak, and horse chestnut trees in the Netherlands and UK. In the Netherlands, a single northern red oak (Quercus rubra) in a park tests positive for the pathogen. In the UK, a single infected southern red oak (Quercus falcata) is detected in Sussex, England. Additionally, at two sites in Cornwall, P. ramorum is detected on European beech (Fagus sylvatica), Holm oak (Quercus ilex) and horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum). The beech and horse chestnut show bleeding from the bole, while leaf spots are present on the Holm oak. In all cases, the infected trees are located near P. ramorum-infected rhododendrons.
A retail nursery in Gig Harbor, Pierce County, WA, is found to have P. ramorum-positive plants.

11/03

Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is found to be susceptible to P. ramorum. UK DEFRA scientists discover the infected witch hazel in a public garden in Wales, close to P. ramorum-infected rhododendron. Koch's postulates have been completed.
CDFA's revised enforcement guideline policy for CA's P. ramorum regulation goes into effect. The revisions allow unrestricted movement of host plants and most nursery stock within the quarantined counties. Nurseries within the quarantined area shipping out of the regulated area continue to be inspected.
A new Phytophthora species (later named P. kernoviae) is identified by researchers at the UK Forestry Commission, Forest Research Agency, while looking for P. ramorum in natural settings. The positive isolates are from a large bleeding canker of a mature European beech tree in southwest England. It also affects rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.)

(back to top)

10/03

The systemic fungicide AGRI-FOS(R) and Pentra Bark surfactant are approved by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation to treat individual oak and tanoak trees at high-risk of contracting P. ramorum.
P. ramorum is found approximately 10 miles north of CA's San Luis Obispo County line near Plaskett Creek, extending the southernmost known infested area by about 15 miles.
CA, OR, WA, the USDA, and Canada agree to protocols to be used by USDA APHIS and the states to respond to new P. ramorum nursery detections (outside of California's 12-county regulated area).

09/03

P. ramorum was detected on two containerized Camellia sasanqua plants at a retail nursery in Placer County, CA. The finding is the result of a trace-forward investigation from a Stanislaus County, CA nursery.
A European A2 P. ramorum mating type is found in Europe. European researchers identified the A2 P. ramorum mating type isolate from a Belgian nursery.
Canada releases the 9th revision of its P. ramorum regulations.

08/03

P. ramorum is detected on containerized yew (Taxus baeccata) saplings at a medium-sized garden center in northwest England.
The European population, A1 P. ramorum mating type isolate is found for the first time in North America. Plants from sister nurseries in OR and WA were found to have both the North American, A2 mating type and the European population A1 mating type. This is also the first time both mating types have been found in close proximity to one another in the US.
The ODA adopts an emergency rule that requires all recipients of out-of-state tree and shrub nursery stock to notify ODA of the shipment for possible inspection of the plants.

(back to top)

07/03

ODA recalls camellia plants sold in OR that originated from a P. ramorum-positive nursery in Stanislaus County, CA.
WA holds its first Sudden Oak Death informational meeting at Washington State University, Puyallup Research and Extension Center.
A new diagnostic guide, "Sudden Oak Death and Associated Diseases Caused by Phytophthora ramorum" by Davidson et al., is published by the Plant Management Network, Plant Health Progress.
CDFA issues a Pest Exclusion Advisory requiring incoming shipments of P. ramorum hosts and associated plants from OR, WA, and BC to be visually inspected by CA county inspectors at the destination location before being released for sale.

06/03

P. ramorum is detected on rhododendron container plants at a nursery in King County, WA. This is the first detection of P. ramorum in the state.
P. ramorum (European population, A1 mating type) is detected on a rhododendron container plant at a nursery in Greater Vancouver, BC.
The Czech Republic implements a quarantine for P. ramorum-susceptible plants from the US, Germany, and the Netherlands.
CDF approves the Santa Cruz County Hazard Tree Removal Program, granting the county $224,000 to complete the removal of 650 previously identified hazardous trees this summer.
Camellia sasanqua is found to have P. ramorum at a Sacramento County, CA nursery. It is intercepted via a trace-forward investigation.
P. ramorum is detected on Camellia sasanqua container plants at two nursery locations in Jackson County, OR, as the result of trace-forward investigation from an infested Stanislaus County, CA nursery.

(back to top)

05/03

"Sudden Oak Death, endangering California and Oregon forest ecosystems," a review article by Dave Rizzo (UCD) and Matteo Garbelotto (UCB), is published in the May 2003 issue of Frontiers of Ecology and the Environment (Ecological Society of America, issue 4, volume 1, May 2003).
P. ramorum is confirmed on containerized Viburnum bodanantense, Pieris japonica and Pieris japonica x formosa, Viburnum plicatum tomentosum, and Rhododendron 'Unique' at a nursery in Clackamas County, OR.
In a letter to USDA Secretary Anne Venneman, OR formally requests exemption from the interim federal regulations for P. ramorum. OR is requesting stricter regulations for P. ramorum to prevent pathogen spread into the state.
P. ramorum is detected in four CA nurseries in Stanislaus, Alameda, Santa Cruz, and Marin Counties. The nursery in Stanislaus County is in the Central Valley, approximately 100 miles east of the closest known infested area.
A Sudden Oak Death collection yard opens at the Marin Resource Recovery Center, San Rafael, CA. The project, dubbed "SODBusters," aims at preventing pathogen spread through proper handling, and disposal when necessary, of infested plant debris.

04/03

A Sudden Oak Death Tribal Summit is held at Blue Lake Rancheria, Blue Lake, CA. The meeting brings together tribal and agency land managers, tribal members, and Sudden Oak Death researchers to discuss issues of particular concern to tribal members. Tribal research priorities, regulatory issues, and information needs are discussed.
The on-line symposium "Sudden Oak Death - How Concerned Should You Be?" is hosted by the American Phytopathological Society. Over 3000 site visitors from 46 countries participate.
Kalmia latifolia and Vaccinium vitis-idaea are reported as susceptible to P. ramorum in the revised pest risk assessment for P. ramorum released by the UK.
OR holds its first statewide informational meeting and strategic planning session on P. ramorum entitled "Perspective on the Sudden Oak Death Syndrome: Risks to Oregon Agriculture and Forestry," at OSU in Corvallis.
The first report of P. ramorum on Camellia japonica and Viburnum tinus in the US is confirmed at a nursery in Marin County, CA. The symptomatic material was kept adjacent to a stand of P. ramorum-infected California bay laurel trees.
The UK has 264 P. ramorum outbreaks recorded on rhododendron, viburnum, Camellia japonica, Kalmia latifolia, Pieris japonica, Pieris Formosa var. forestii, Arbutus, and Syringa. Some of the findings have been in large gardens open to the public and associated with plant nurseries or garden centers. An intensive survey is ongoing.

(back to top)

03/03

P. ramorum is isolated from a potted Pieris japonica, growing outside under an infested California bay laurel. This is the first find of infested Pieris japonica in the US.

01/03

P. ramorum is isolated from Camellia in a UK nursery.
P. ramorum is isolated from grand fir, Abies grandis, Christmas trees at a Santa Clara County plantation.

12/02

P. ramorum is isolated from over 150 nurseries in the UK. France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Italy, Germany, and other European countries also report widespread infestations.
The first Sudden Oak Death Science Symposium is held in Monterey, California. Over 300 people attend. Eight new plants associated with P. ramorum are announced: California Hazel, poison oak, salmonberry, cascara, Victorian box, and Pieris (the last from nursery stock in UK).
Everett Hansen (OSU), along with Rizzo (UCD) and Garbelotto (UCB), name another new Phytophthora found on dying oaks and infecting leaves of California bay laurel. Phytophthora nemorosa has a similar geographic range as P. ramorum but is considered less virulent.
The P. ramorum isolates from Europe are determined to be a different mating type from those isolated in North America indicating that the pathogen did not come from Europe to California or vice-versa.

(back to top)

11/02

Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's Joint Genome Institute in Walnut Creek and the Virginia Bioinformatics Institute in Blacksburg are receiving $3.8 million from federal agencies to decode and study the genomes of P. ramorum and Phytophthora sojae.
The EU issues regulations for P. ramorum to prevent pathogen spread within the Union as well as the importation of the North American genotype and A2 mating type.

10/02

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency adds a certification program to their P. ramorum regulations allowing shipments of field-grown plants into Canada from uninfested counties of California following inspection.
P. ramorum is found on two shipments of rhododendron in Spain.

9/02

Australia introduces regulations preventing the importation of host species from countries known to have P. ramorum.
CDFA and USDA-APHIS add only the affected plant parts of coast redwood and Douglas-fir to state and federal regulations.
Governor Davis's administration supports SOD research and response with a $2 million commitment in the 2002/03 State budget.
UC researchers confirm coast redwood and Douglas-fir are susceptible to P. ramorum by isolating the pathogen from needles and branches.

(back to top)

7/02

Forest trees in Humboldt and Contra Costa Counties, CA, are confirmed to have P. ramorum, bringing the number of infested CA counties to 12.

5/02

Two informational meetings are held for resource professionals in Humboldt County. The meetings are hosted by UC Cooperative Extension. About 175 attend.
The UK bans imports of plants and wood from parts of the US to prevent the spread of P. ramorum.

4/02

Poland's P. ramorum findings on nursery rhododendron plants are reported to the U.S.
England confirms P. ramorum findings on Viburnum tinus in a nursery setting.
The scope of infestation includes 15 known host species, 10 confirmed counties, and the following eight state parks: Austin Creek State Recreation Area, China Camp State Park, Jack London State Park, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Samuel P. Taylor State Park, Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and Mt. Tamalpais State Park.

(