NEW MEASURES TO LIMIT SPREAD OF BROWN SPRUCE LONGHORN BEETLE (BSLB)

Ottawa, May 15, 2007 - In an effort to prevent the further spread of the brown spruce longhorn beetle (BSLB) in Nova Scotia, a new regulatory area has been established, which expands the existing area under regulation and defines regulated articles.

The new measures redefine regulated articles to include only the higher risk commodities of spruce logs, bark and unprocessed wood chips. In addition, less restrictive conditions for processing and controlled movement of the regulated articles will help producers move their product to market.

The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, announced the new regulatory measures and a newly defined containment area in response to BSLB detections in Nova Scotia.

The new measures, developed through consultation with stakeholders and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), work to contain the BSLB while allowing scientists and researchers to better understand the pest.

"These new measures will limit the risks of the beetle spreading while meeting the needs of industry working in the area and the province," said Minister Strahl. "These new measures will allow the lumber industry in Nova Scotia to continue to operate and to move regulated items to mills and markets while limiting the spread of the beetle."

Under the Plant Protection Act, the CFIA is responsible for the implementation of science-based regulatory measures to protect areas free of quarantine pests, such as BSLB in Nova Scotia, and to fulfill international obligations. The new containment area includes central Halifax County and very small adjacent portions of Colchester and Hants Counties.

Complete details, including a map of the new containment area, are on the CFIA's website at www.inspection.gc.ca.

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For information:

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media Relations: (613) 228-6682