Seoul implements intensive measures against pine wilt disease

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has ordered a comprehensive response to combat the spread of pine wilt disease, aiming to ensure not a single infected tree remains in the city. Following the identification of 74 infected trees across various districts including Gangdong, Seongbuk, and Jungnang, the city is expanding its prevention and control measures.

To prevent further spread, particularly in high-value areas like Namsan and Seoul Forest, the city is shortening the injection cycle for preventive tree medicine from three years to two years. The city will also utilize advanced technology, such as drones, to conduct precise surveillance in hard-to-reach areas and within a 5km radius of new infection sites.

Seoul is coordinating with the Korea Forest Service and Gyeonggi Province to share diagnostic and control information. This regional cooperation aims to manage the risk of spread from neighboring areas where the disease has been more prevalent. Intensive control operations, including the removal of suspected trees and preventive injections, are scheduled to run from November through March.