Updated 10/17/08

Lab tests needed to confirm sudden oak death

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Sudden oak death cannot be identified simply by looking at a plant because symptoms of the disease, such as leaf spots, shoot-tip dieback, or canker formations resemble many other plant diseases. 

Sudden oak death is caused by a pathogen called Phytophthora ramorum. The disease can only be confirmed through laboratory testing that may take two to three weeks. 

The steps WSDA takes to identify the presence of Phytophthora ramorum are outlined by the USDA APHIS website.

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