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Dutch Elm Disease

Dutch elm disease (DED) is a vascular disease of elm trees (Ulmus spp.) caused by the fungus Ophiostoma novo-ulmi. This fungus is usually carried by Scolytid elm bark beetles.

To help protect the urban treescape, there are some strict rules under the Biosecurity Act that are aimed at stopping the spread of Dutch elm disease.

The first New Zealand record was in 1989 from Myers Park, Auckland. Since then a management programme, conducted by SPS Biota and Auckland Council, has kept the disease contained to within the Auckland Region. However there has now been detection of the disease in the Waikato, and SPS Biota is now working with the Waikato Council in this region.