November 13, 2014 – Ottawa, ON – Government of Canada
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of emerald ash borer (EAB) in the Municipality of Notre-Dame-de-Laus, Quebec. This marks the first find outside of the current regulated area.
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 2014.
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.
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
613-773-6600
Jeff English
Director of Communications
The Office of Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture
613-773-1059
