One pine tree confirmed infected

22 neighborhoods in Dongjak-gu, Seocho-gu and Gwanak-gu designated as restricted zones

A pine tree killed by pine wilt disease stands in a forest in Gyorae-ri, Jocheon-eup, Jeju, its dead foliage resembling autumn colors. [Yonhap]
A pine tree killed by pine wilt disease stands in a forest in Gyorae-ri, Jocheon-eup, Jeju, its dead foliage resembling autumn colors. [Yonhap]

The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Wednesday it has activated an emergency response system with the Korea Forest Service and other agencies after one pine tree infected with pine wilt disease was confirmed in Dongjak-gu on Thursday, and that it is making every effort to prevent the disease from spreading across the city.

The infected tree, a pine located in Samil Park in Dongjak-gu, was confirmed positive on Thursday following a secondary diagnosis.

Pine wilt disease spreads through beetle vectors — primarily the Japanese pine sawyer, which targets pine trees, and the white-spotted sawyer, which mainly affects Korean white pines. The nematodes live inside the beetles and enter trees through wounds made when the insects feed on new shoots. A separate pine tree in Gangdong-gu was also found infected with pine wilt nematodes in July.

The city will conduct detailed surveillance and surveys of dead trees in the affected area to assess the extent of damage and check for additional infections. It also plans to carry out an epidemiological investigation to identify the source of the outbreak and its transmission routes, which will inform future control measures.

To contain the spread, the city has newly designated 22 neighborhoods as restricted zones — seven in Dongjak-gu, eight in Seocho-gu and seven in Gwanak-gu — and will step up enforcement against the unauthorized movement of pine trees along major roads and forest access routes. The movement restrictions apply to four species — pine, black pine, Korean white pine and island white pine — as well as felled timber with a diameter of 2 centimeters or more. Violations carry a penalty of up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 10 million won ($7,300).

In addition, the city plans to investigate links to previously affected areas, nearby control histories and pine-tree movement routes in coordination with relevant agencies to determine the source of infection. It will also re-examine the control status and surveillance blind spots in each district and continue sharing information with the Korea Forest Service and other agencies to find ways to improve the effectiveness of control efforts.

"Early and swift surveillance and control at the initial stage of a pine wilt outbreak are paramount," said Kim Young-hwan, director of Seoul's Garden City Bureau. "We will strengthen joint response efforts with relevant agencies and push for intensive control measures in the second half of the year to do our utmost to stop the spread." Kim also urged residents to report any abnormal symptoms — such as a pine tree suddenly withering and dying — and to refrain from moving pine trees or firewood without authorization.


ikson@heraldcorp.com