Biosurveillance of oak wilt disease in Canadian areas at risk

Biosurveillance of invasive species is critical for protecting native ecosystems and limiting economic losses. Early detection pathogens through qPCR methods has recently shown great promise can potentially slow the spread devastating diseases. For instance, oak wilt, a disease caused by fungus Bretziella fagacearum, kill mature trees within weeks infection. Originally contained in United States, wilt finally made its way into Canada, where it was observed first time June 2023. This study laid foundations biosurveillance monitoring program B. fagacearum Eastern Canada. From 2019 to 2021, insect vectors were baited captured Lindgren traps various locations interest, namely sawmills importing logs from States (US), forested areas containing strategic sites along border between two countries. Insect collection fluids analysed with our test presence fagacearum. As positive control validate this method, we included known centre infection Michigan (US). Our analysis showed only one site at Ontario (CA) US, even though never been there. result confirms that DNA be detected method before appearance symptomatic trees, which could crucial current containment efforts (CA).