First new cases of Dutch elm disease in Edmonton in nearly 8 months
Posted July 14, 2026 12:02 pm.
Last Updated July 14, 2026 1:08 pm.
Two new cases of Dutch elm disease (DED) have been detected in Edmonton, the first cases since November.
The City of Edmonton confirmed a tree in the Northmount neighbourhood and another in the Rossdale neighbourhood tested positive for the deadly fungal disease.
The two trees, which were described by the city as being in decline, were removed.
It’s the eighth and ninth cases in Alberta’s capital since DED was first detected in August 2024.
“These cases were identified by our integrated team of arborists, urban foresters and pest management biologists as they continue intensified surveillance and testing of elm trees across the city,” said Nicole Fraser, the acting director of Parks and Urban Forestry.
“We continue removals, daily assessments and testing in coordination with the province and Canadian Food Inspection Agency.”
Dutch elm disease is a contagious fungal infection that poses a major risk to nearby elm trees.
The trees that previously tested positive for the disease were in the Killarney, Yellowhead Corridor East, Alberta Avenue and Glengarry neighbourhoods.
Edmontonians are asked to help limit the spread of Dutch elm disease by not bringing firewood from another jurisdiction; removing bark beetle habitat; and calling 311 if you see signs of the disease.
