Oak Wilt Discovered in Central Islip

State officials have announced that oak wilt, a fungal disease that grows on and destroys oak trees, has been found in the Central Islip area in the Town of Islip.

The disease was identified by the Cornell Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic after samples from a local oak tree were submitted by a concerned tree care professional, according to the Department of Environmental Information (DEC).

This is the second location in New York that the disease has been confirmed. In 2008 and 2013, oak wilt was discovered in Schenectady County.

After the provided oak samples tested positive for the fungus, four trees that showed signs of being infected were removed and destroyed. The DEC says they plan to use the same method used in Schenectady County in the Central Islip area.

There is no known treatment to contain and kill the oak wilt fungus other than to remove the infected trees as well as any surrounding host oak trees, according to the DEC.

"The infestation is small and isolated making an aggressive eradication response warranted and feasible to address this serious disease." DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. "Additional oak trees will need to be removed in the immediate infected area to stop oak wilt in its tracks."

An emergency order has been issued establishing a protective zone that prohibits the removal of any oak trees or any parts of oak trees including branches, logs, stumps or roots, green oak lumber and firewood (of any species) out of the immediate area unless it has been chipped to less than one inch in two dimensions.

All red oak located in these zones will be removed by DEC and destroyed in order to protect the remaining oak trees in the area. The removal is expected to take place within the next six months.

"Acting now, while the incident is isolated, is a critical step toward preventing the spread of oak wilt and saving our trees," State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said. "This aggressive plan will protect additional trees from infection and help eradicate the infestation quickly."

Impacted property owners will be contacted to inform them about oak wilt and provide information about how to help protect their remaining oak trees.

The DEC will schedule a public meeting to address questions and concerns regarding the plans to eradicate the disease.

Members of the public are encouraged to report any occurrences where an oak tree suddenly loses its leaves during the month of August to the Forest Health Information Line toll-free at 1-866-640-0652. For more information about oak wilt or the emergency order, visit DEC's website.