Emerald Ash Borer Confirmed in United Counties of Prescott and Russell

OTTAWA, August 9, 2011: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of the emerald ash borer (EAB) in the United Counties of Prescott and Russell. An adult beetle was collected from a survey trap at a rest stop on Highway 17 near Wendover, Ontario. Survey traps have been set up at high-risk areas throughout Eastern and Northern Ontario.

Movement restrictions, which prohibit the movement of all ash materials—such as logs, branches and wood chips—and all species of firewood from the affected site, have been put in place. Property owners in the affected area have been notified of these restrictions. Further regulatory measures will be considered once all survey work has been completed for the year.

The presence of EAB has now been confirmed in 24 Ontario counties, and in three areas in the province of Quebec. Although EAB does not pose a risk to human health, it is a highly destructive beetle. It has already killed millions of ash trees in Ontario and the northeastern United States, and poses a major economic threat to urban and forested areas of North America.

EAB can spread rapidly if it is moved by people. The most important way to limit the spread of this invasive beetle is to avoid moving potentially infested ash materials, as well as all species of firewood, to non-infested areas. The public can play its part in helping to control the spread of EAB by avoiding these actions.

The CFIA continues to work with federal, provincial and municipal governments towards slowing the spread of EAB. We all have a responsibility to protect Canada's forests.

Additional information is available on the CFIA website at www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/pestrava/agrpla/agrplae.shtml or by calling 1-866-463-6017.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media Relations: 613-773-6600

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