A fatal plant disease known as Laurel Wilt has spread to six new Kentucky counties – including four in western Kentucky – according to the state’s division of forestry. Laurel Wilt is transmitted by small, non-native ambrosia beetles that bore into plants such as sassafras trees and spicebushes. Once the beetle enters the plant, the disease quickly spreads and blocks off the plant’s vascular system, causing it to wilt. Kentucky Division of Forestry“The real kicker here is preventing the movement of firewood. So far, confirmed cases have been detected in 24 counties since Laurel Wilt was first discovered in Kentucky in 2019.