CFIA Takes Regulatory Action to Slow the Spread of Emerald Ash Borer in Southwestern Ontario

OTTAWA, July 10 – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is taking action to slow the spread of the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) in Southwestern Ontario. New regulations prohibit the movement of ash tree articles and firewood of all species from specific areas of Southwestern Ontario. Movement of these articles is the primary way the beetle has been spreading to new areas in Ontario. The EAB poses no risk to human or animal health.

New Ministerial Orders have been created to restrict the movement of potentially infested materials from regulated areas.

The previous Ministerial Orders for Elgin County, Middlesex County, Lambton County, Essex County and the municipality of Chatham-Kent have been repealed and these areas are now regulated under one new Ministerial Order.

Huron County is now regulated under another new Ministerial Order. An updated Ministerial Order has also been issued for Norfolk County so that the measures in place are consistent in all regulated areas in Ontario and Quebec.

These boundaries have been determined after consultation with the affected municipalities and stakeholders.

Although the EAB is a destructive beetle that has already killed a large number of ash trees in Ontario and northeastern United States, it does not spread quickly on its own. The CFIA is focusing its efforts on preventing the movement of potentially infested articles such as logs, branches, nursery stock, wood chips, and firewood of all species - to non-infested locations. 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 the goal of slowing its spread.

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

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