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Fatal oak disease reported in Oregon Sudden Oak Death, a new disease that has killed numerous coastal California oaks, has been discovered in southwestern Oregon, the Oregon State University Extension Service reports. The disease is caused by a water mold similar to the one that was responsible for the Irish potato famine of the 19th century. It is related to pathogens that are now killing Port Orford cedar in southern Oregon. The disease infects trees through their leaves and bark, killing parts of the tree and inviting invasion by bark beetles and wood borers. Symptoms may include a blood-red to black ooze from the trunk and dark-rimmed red lesions in the bark and wood, according to Everett Hansen, an OSU plant pathologist. Previously known only from California's central coast, this disease infects several tree species, including tanoak and black oak, both native to Oregon. Tanoak is found in the Coast Range as far north as the Coos Bay area. Black oak is common farther inland as far north as Roseburg, including the Rogue Valley. The pathogen can also cause foliage and twig blight in rhododendron, myrtlewood, madrone, and evergreen huckleberry, all common in Oregon. Although it has been found primarily in cool, coastal areas, it can survive extended drought and occurs on some drier sites in California. It can be carried in rainwater splashed from trees, or in the infected leaves of rhododendrons and other carriers. The Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Forestry have asked the help of Oregonians not to transport firewood, acorns, soil, or any parts of plants from infested areas of Oregon or California. As a precaution, clean mud from bicycles, hiking boots, vehicles or equipment if you visit areas which may be infested. Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.