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The discovery of the tiny nematode in a St. Clair County private woodlot is a worrying development for scientists, who still don't fully understand the disease that now threatens over 37 million Michigan trees.
According to the Michigan DNR, there is no effective treatment to protect trees from the disease, which can kill a tree in 6-10 years.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says the state's 37 million American beech trees could be susceptible to the microscopic Litylenchus crenatae worm, which spends the winter in leaf buds.
Beech leaf disease was recently detected in St. Clair County, which can kill the trees in roughly six to ten years. There is currently no known treatment for it. State officials warn against transporting wood from the trees.
An invasive beech leaf disease was found in Michigan for the first time, potentially the result of infected nursery stock being sold.