Phytophthora manual - 3. Biosecurity precautions

When operations are taking place in woodlands confirmed as having either Phytophthora ramorum and/or P. kernoviae infection, best practice includes general hygiene precautions. This applies to all potentially damaging pests and diseases.

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Best practice

The following are the minimum measures which will help to minimise the spread of phytophthora diseases - or any other plant diseases - from infected woods and forests.

  1. Ensure staff are aware of this guidance.
  2. Carry recommended bio-security equipment when visiting infected woodland.
  3. If you come into contact with infected larch or rhododendron, ensure that before leaving the site, footwear, tools, equipment, plant and machinery are free from any soil and plant debris. This should be achieved by simply brushing off as much soil and plant debris as is reasonably practicable. Because this is common practice when moving machinery from site to site via main roads, it is suggested that it is also extended to all movements of plant, machinery, tools and equipment within the forest.
  4. In areas where either P. ramorum or P. kernoviae infection is detected, a Statutory Plant Health Notice (SPHN) will impose measures including, in addition to the above, disinfection with an appropriate fungicide.