The pine wilt disease was identified for the first time in the United States in Columbia, Missouri in 1979. Since that first report, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus has been found in 36 states, including all the Great Plains states except for North Dakota. The widespread distribution of the pinewood nematode suggests that it is native to the United States.

In North America, investigators have confirmed the disease on 27 species of pinus (pine), one each of abies (balsam) and pseudotsuya (fir), and two each of cedrus (cedar), larix (larch), and picea (spruce). It is considered to be a potentially serious problem in landscape settings, windbreaks, Christmas tree farms, and recreational plantings.

Pine Wilt Fact Sheet (via Kansas State Univ.)

ORNAMENTAL DISEASES INFORMATION NOTE NO. 6, PINE WOOD NEMATODE (via North Carolina State Univ.)