Woodland owners across Yorkshire are being warned to be on the lookout for a deadly disease which is spreading through tree plantations.

As the fungus-like disease phytophthora ramorum continues to spread across large swathes of the south-west, the Country Land and Business Association is urging farmers and land managers in Yorkshire to remain vigilant.

Dorothy Fairburn, the association’s Yorkshire Regional director, said: “So far there have been no reported cases in Yorkshire but we are asking our members to remain vigilant and report any suspected presence of the disease on trees or in woodlands to the Forestry Commission immediately.”

Phytophthora ramorum is spread through spores produced on infected foliage, which can be carried long distances in moist air currents, and generally kills the plants it infects.

Any suspected presence of the disease on trees or in woodlands should be reported to the Forestry Commission’s plant health service on 0131 3146414 or on ornamental plants to the local FERA plant health and seeds inspector on 01904 465625.

More information on the disease is available the commission’s website at www.forestry.gov.uk/pramorum