Emerald ash borer confirmed in Thunder Bay, Ontario
News Release
Finding is outside the regulated area
June 30, 2016 - Ottawa, ON - Government of Canada
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of emerald ash borer (EAB) in the Municipality of Thunder Bay, Ontario. This marks the first find outside of the current regulated area which includes all of southern Ontario up to Algoma, Nipissing and Greater Sudbury areas as well as counties in Quebec.
Effective immediately, the movement of all ash material such as logs, branches, and wood chips, as well as all species of firewood from the affected site, is restricted. Property owners in the affected area are being notified of these restrictions. Other enforcement measures, such as expanding the regulated area, may be implemented once the CFIA completes its survey work before the end of 2016.
Although EAB poses no threat to human health, it is a highly destructive beetle. It has already killed millions of ash trees in Ontario, Quebec and the United States, and poses a major economic and environmental threat to urban and forested areas of North America. The CFIA continues to work with federal, provincial, and municipal governments to slow its spread.
Quick Facts
- The emerald ash borer is native to China and eastern Asia. It was first confirmed in Canada in 2002.
- Emerald ash borer is considered present only in some areas of Ontario and Quebec and is regulated by the CFIA to protect Canada's forests and nurseries.
- Moving untreated firewood is a common way for invasive insects and diseases to spread. Don't move firewood.
Associated Link
Additional information on the emerald ash borer can be found at the CFIA website.
Contacts
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
613-773-6600
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