Information Bulletin

Ottawa, September 15, 2009 – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) continues to survey for the emerald ash borer (EAB). EAB detection surveys in 2009 will target high risk sites in unregulated counties. These high risk sites include areas in close proximity to regulated counties, campgrounds, nurseries, and sawmills.

Areas currently regulated for EAB under Ministerial Orders include:

In Ontario:

• City of Hamilton, City of Toronto, and the Regional Municipalities of Durham, York, Peel and Halton
• City of Sault Ste. Marie
• Huron County
• Municipality of Chatham-Kent and the Counties of Elgin, Essex, Lambton and Middlesex
• Norfolk County
  

In Ontario and Quebec:

• Cities of Gatineau, Quebec, and Ottawa, Ontario

In Quebec:

• Municipalities of Carignan, Chambly, Richelieu, Saint-Basile-le-Grand and Saint-Mathias-sur-Richelieu

The Ministerial Orders for Sault Ste-Marie; Hamilton, Toronto and surrounding municipalities; Ottawa/Gatineau; and Carignan and surrounding municipalities have been updated for clarity and consistency with the other EAB Ministerial Orders. The boundaries of all regulated areas remain the same. The movement of regulated articles such as ash tree materials and firewood of all species is restricted without prior permission from the CFIA.

Routine checks for the movement of firewood and regulated articles are conducted to ensure compliance. Violation of these restrictions can result in a fine and/or prosecution.

The CFIA continues to work with its federal, provincial and municipal partners on research, surveillance, communications and regulatory activities.

While EAB poses no risk to human health, it is an invasive alien species that poses a significant threat to our forests and forest industries. CFIA works to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species to protect Canada’s plant resource base, facilitate trade, and contribute to the well-being of its citizens.

For more information on the EAB, please call 1-866- 463-6017 or visit our website at www.inspection.gc.ca.

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

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