Salix Caprea bark problem

garden5hONFGfn

Whilst doing some minor tree surgery on our pussy willow (Sallow) I was alarmed to notice that the small cracks all over mature branches are vivid scarlet. Is this a disease? I can find no reference to anything similar.

Loxley

Any pics? Sounds like it might be coral spot or something similar

garden5hONFGfn

Here's a picture of the problem, which covers almost all the branches.

Loxley

Coral spot fungus? Salix caprea is prone to fungal diseases (and pests).

garden5hONFGfn

Although the colour is similar, I don't think it's Coral Spot because it's not raised from the bark surface at all, rather lying in cracks in the bark. Others have suggested a fairly harmless fungus resulting from damp weather conditions, which should clear.