TORONTO, December 4, 2007 The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has
confirmed the presence of the emerald ash borer (EAB) in Toronto, Ontario. Located in the
vicinity of Sheppard Avenue East and Highway 404, the infested trees were first detected
by Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources staff. This is the first find of the pest in the
Toronto area.
While EAB poses no risk to human health, this beetle is an invasive alien species and
poses a significant threat to our forests and forest industries.
The CFIA is surveying to determine the extent of infestation in the area. The pest is
currently in its dormant period and will not spread naturally during the winter months.
Tree removal is not considered an effective tool for the control of EAB. However, some
trees may be removed in collaboration with Natural Resources Canada - Canadian Forest
Service for research purposes. Affected property owners will be eligible for compensation
under the Introduced Forest Pest Compensation Regulations.
Restrictions on the movement of all firewood and ash tree materials will be implemented
on properties within a five-kilometre radius from where EAB was detected. This is
necessary to stop the movement of potentially infested materials that may harbour the
insect. EAB is generally spread through the movement of infested firewood, nursery stock
and forest products. Affected property owners will be notified of these restrictions by
the CFIA.
Trees, nursery stock, logs, lumber, wood packaging, wood or bark, wood chips or bark
chips of ash trees (genus Fraxinus), as well as firewood
of all species will be regulated for EAB.
EAB has previously been confirmed in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent as well as Essex,
Elgin, Lambton, Middlesex and Norfolk counties. Regulated areas have been implemented in
these 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 toward the goal of
slowing the spread of this destructive pest.
Additional information on EAB and
other invasive alien species 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
Emerald Ash Borer Confirmed In
Toronto - Questions and Answers
Main Page - Emerald Ash Borer
