The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the first case of oak wilt in Manitowoc County.
DNA testing confirmed the deadly tree disease in an oak tree in the town of Mishicot. The property owner contacted the DNR after noticing signs of infection. As of November 6th, this is the only confirmed case in the county.
Oak wilt affects oak trees and can cause them to lose their leaves and die. The disease has now been detected in 67 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties.
DNR officials say the disease can spread through beetles attracted to fresh tree wounds, as well as through infected firewood and logs.
Residents are being reminded not to prune or damage oak trees between April and July, when the risk of spreading the disease is highest. Officials also recommend keeping firewood local and avoiding the transportation of untreated oak wood from one area to another.
The DNR says preventing oak wilt from spreading to new areas is much easier than controlling an established infection.
More information is available on the Wisconsin DNR’s Oak Wilt webpage.
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