The City of Edmonton has found another confirmed case of Dutch elm disease.

The private tree in Killarney is the fifth tree in Edmonton to be infected with the deadly fungus.

It was found in the same area where four other infected trees were found in August.

The tree was tested at the end of September, but the results were negative.

Later, city crews conducting follow-up assessments noticed that the tree’s health had declined rapidly and was showing signs of disease.

A new test came back positive on Thursday.

The city is working with the owner to have the tree removed as quickly as possible.

Dutch elm disease is spread by three species of beetles, as well as from tree to tree through root systems. The fungus that causes it interferes with a tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients and can kill a tree in as little as three weeks.

The city said the disease has killed millions of elm trees in North America since it was introduced from Europe about 90 years ago.

Edmonton has approximately 90,000 city-owned elm trees, and a Dutch elm disease protocol was developed in 2020 after the disease was discovered in Lethbridge.

“City arborists and foresters remain vigilant as they continue to implement the established action plan, including increased surveillance of elms in the protocol area,” said Mark Beare, Edmonton’s director of infrastructure operations.

“This additional confirmed case does not change our approach as we continue evaluations, removals and testing to limit the spread of Dutch elm disease.”

Residents are encouraged to learn more about the signs of Dutch elm disease and to keep elms on private property trimmed and healthy, as the beetles are attracted to damaged or diseased trees.

In Edmonton it is illegal to store or transport elm wood. Cut branches or wood from damaged trees should be burned immediately or dropped off at the Edmonton Waste Management Center at 250 Aurum Road.

You can find more information about the disease on City of Edmonton website.