Government of Canada Enhances Measures to Slow the Spread of the Emerald Ash Borer in Ontario

Ottawa, April 20, 2010: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is taking further action to slow the spread of the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) in Ontario. CFIA regulations now restrict the movement of ash tree articles and firewood of all species from the Regional Municipality of Niagara, where EAB was found in 2009. Movement of these articles is the primary way the beetle spreads to uninfested areas in Ontario. The EAB, an invasive forest pest that attacks and kills ash trees, does not spread quickly on its own and poses no risk to human or animal health.

The existing Ministerial Order for the cities of Hamilton and Toronto and the regional municipalities of Durham, York, Peel, and Halton has been expanded to include the Regional Municipality of Niagara. Ash tree articles and firewood of all species can be moved freely within this regulated area, but written permission from the CFIA must be obtained prior to any regulated articles leaving this area.

The CFIA is focusing its efforts on preventing the movement of potentially infested articles such as ash logs, branches, nursery stock, wood chips, and firewood of all species to areas where EAB has not been detected. Those who move these articles from regulated areas without prior permission from the CFIA could face fines and/or prosecution.

The CFIA will continue to work with its partners and stakeholders towards slowing the spread of EAB.

For more information, contact:
CFIA Media Relations, 613-773-6600