GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES THE ERADICATION OF PLUM POX VIRUS IN STONEY CREEK, ONTARIO

VINELAND STATION, ONTARIO, May 28, 2008 - The Government of Canada is pleased to announce the successful eradication of plum pox virus (PPV) in the area of Stoney Creek, Ontario. Under the Plum Pox Virus Infested Places Order, 2008, Stoney Creek, Ontario has been removed from the list of areas infected with plum pox virus.

"The Government of Canada is committed to protecting our producers and our environment," said the Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food Canada and the Minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board. "The eradication of plum pox virus in Stoney Creek is just one example of our dedication to Canada's tender fruit, fruit processing and nursery industries."

Plum pox virus, an easily transmissible virus which causes significant yield losses, was first discovered in Ontario and Nova Scotia in 2000. It is not a threat to human or animal health but it is a serious plant disease affecting tender fruit (including peaches, plums, nectarines, and apricots) and ornamental trees and shrubs. Plum pox virus is transmitted from infected trees by aphids or by grafting or budding.

Since 2000, plum pox virus had been detected and regulated in seven areas in Ontario and Nova Scotia. After seven years of effective regulatory controls and eradication programs, it has been eradicated in six of the areas. The only area now remaining under quarantine is the larger Niagara quarantine area which consists of the Town of Grimsby, the Town of Lincoln, the City of St. Catharines, the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake and designated sections of the City of Niagara Falls, Town of Pelham and City of Thorold.

Additional information on plum pox virus is available on the CFIA web site at www.inspection.gc.ca.

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For more information, media may contact:

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

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