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There is, as yet, no cure for fire blight and the best way to deal with the infection is to remove infected stems and branches cutting no less than 8 inches up from the infected area.  Because the bacteria are so easily transmitted, care should be taken in disposing of infected plant material. Either burn or discard in the trash.  Do not leave infected material where the bacteria might be spread to surrounding bushes or trees.  Care should also be taken with tools which have come into contact with the bacteria.  Tools can be sterilized in an alcohol solution (three parts denatured alcohol to one part water).  Diluted household bleach can also be used (one part bleach to nine parts water) as long as the tools are wiped dry after disinfecting to prevent corrosion.

A variety of bactericides have been developed to combat fire blight, many of the most common containing streptomycin sulphate.  Check with your local garden or landscape centre for details and remember to follow the instructions carefully.

Image courtesy Canadian Forest Service