Ash tree sentenced to death

http://www.fera.defra.gov.uk/plants/plantHealth/

sounds like closing the stable door after the horse has bolted to me.

"Hello, we're from FERA, we've had information that someone living in your house has got Buboes in their armpits, we won't tell you whats wrong with them, but we are taking them away as what they've got may cause human die back.

goodbye"