Big Sur Tanoak (IMAGE) University of California - Berkeley Caption Almost all adult tanoaks have been killed by the Sudden Oak Death pathogen in many sites around the Big Sur region in Monterey County. Despite the extreme severity of the disease in this region, the pathogen was introduced here well after its introduction in Santa Cruz and Marin counties. Unfortunately, climatic conditions favorable to the pathogen have led to very rapid spread of SOD in this area. Credit Photo courtesy of Matteo Garbelotto Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.