P. ramorum can be inadvertently transported by moving infected California bay leaves. As noted in 1.2.2, P. ramorum-infected California bay leaves tend to drop more readily than healthy leaves. Infected leaves that fall into truck beds, or the area below the windshield. may be moved to new locations. P. ramorum spores produced on infected California bay leaves left on the ground could be splashed to low leaves of susceptible species and initiate a new infestation.
Collect any hitchhiking leaves discovered in a vehicle for safe disposal. Dispose of such potentially contaminated leaves by burning or placing the leaves in a sealed bag or container that will be sent to a landfill. Do not add such hitchhiking leaves to a green waste recycling container.
Chippers and trucks used in pruning operations involving SOD hosts, especially California bay or tanoak, should not be moved between infested and noninfested areas without being thoroughly cleaned. Clean the truck, chipper, chainsaws, and any tools that may contain infested plant fragments prior to leaving the job-site so that infested material is not moved to the next work location (see Sidebar 3-1—Cleaning Contaminated Tools and Equipment).