LONDON, ONTARIO, November 6, 2006 The Canadian Food Inspection Agency
(CFIA) has confirmed that two ash trees in London, Ontario, are infested with
the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). This find was discovered during routine CFIA surveillance for
EAB and is the first confirmation of the pest in Middlesex County.
The two trees are located in a residential neighbourhood. The CFIA will continue intensive survey
efforts in the area to determine the extent of the infestation. The pest is
currently in its dormant period and will not spread naturally over the winter
months.
Movement restrictions will be implemented on the properties where
EAB was found and all properties in a five-kilometre radius. These
restrictions are necessary to stop the movement of firewood or other
potentially-infested materials which may harbour the insect. The CFIA will notify affected property
owners that they cannot move regulated articles from their properties without
written permission from the CFIA. Regulated articles for
EAB include nursery stock, trees, logs, wood, rough lumber including
pallets and other wood packaging materials, bark, wood chips or bark chips from
ash (Fraxinus species), and firewood of all tree
species.
Although this infestation is unfortunate, it was not unexpected given that
Middlesex County is in close proximity to other
EAB-infested counties in southwestern Ontario. The pest has been
previously confirmed in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent as well as Essex, Elgin
and Lambton counties. Ministerial Orders have been implemented in those areas to
establish regulated areas to control the movement of potentially-infested
materials and slow the spread of the pest to new areas.
The CFIA will continue to work with its
partners and stakeholders, including the Canadian Forest Service, the Province
of Ontario and the City of London over the coming months to review the science
and determine next steps, in keeping with the goal of slowing the spread of this
destructive pest.
Additional information on
EAB is available on the CFIA Web site at www.inspection.gc.ca or by calling 1 866 463-6017.
-30-
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media relations: 613-228-6682
