@lovemyhouse, Debra ...
Think of it as the ebola virus of the rose world. Excess caution is totally warranted. I would dispose of gloves and clean tools and clothing worn while removing the plant. I would avoid any possibility that might spread the virus to other roses. Removing the plants at this time of year when they are less active is a plus, but immediate removal and caution are a part of the process.
I haven't had to deal with it personally because it has not been found in my part of California and there are very few instances of reported findings in my state, but from what I have read and from the experiences shared with me by other rose gardeners who live in areas where RRD is an issue, this is, or can be, a serious problem. The virus can easily spread to all of your other roses.
In one post,
@Clintbrown wrote that he is taking every rose out of his garden because he simply does not want to deal with RRD any more. I would do the same. However, there are other gardeners who deal with the problem rose by rose and still plant new roses. It depends on the gardener on whether or not you take Clint's approach or just handle the infected plants.
Lyn
