Sudden oak death alert

Trees in Ireland have so far escaped a potentially lethal disease, but it has been identified on rhododendron and viburnum species in parts of the country.

Phytophthora ramorum, a fungus-like organism, which has the potential to infect commercial broadleaf tree species, has been reported in the United States, parts of Britain and in other European countries.

The disease, which does not affect humans and is not a food safety concern, is also known as sudden oak death.