Asian Long-Horned Beetle - Latest Information

August 25, 2009

As clean up continues from the storm that hit Vaughan last Thursday, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) would like to remind residents that restrictions for moving tree debris remain in effect. These restrictions are in place to prevent the spread of the Asian longhorned beetle (ALHB) and the emerald ash borer (EAB).

For ALHB, movement restrictions are in place for debris from birch, elm, hackberry, horse chestnut, maple, mountain ash, poplar, silk tree, sycamore, and willow trees in the area bounded by Highway 27 in the west, Rutherford Road in the north and Dufferin Street in the east.

For information on disposal of tree debris in Vaughan, residents are encouraged to contact the City of Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or visit www.york.ca

March 12, 2008

During surveys conducted within the existing Regulated Area in the on-going fight against the spread of the Asian long-horned beetle (ALHB) the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has detected additional infested trees in Toronto's Jane Street and Sheppard Avenue area.

The ALHB, an invasive insect native to Asia, poses no threat to human health but is known to attack and kill healthy hardwood trees.

In order to limit the spread of the ALHB, susceptible host trees within 200 metres will be removed. The CFIA understands the sensitivity of tree removal and offers compensation to property owners to assist with planting new trees. Up to $300 per tree on privately-owned land, $150 per tree on public land, and $40 per tree in woodlots will be available.

Affected property owners will receive a Notice to Dispose and tree removal will start in early March 2008. Approximately 200 trees will be removed.

The Government of Canada is working diligently to protect our natural environment, strengthen our long-term competitiveness, and contribute to our well-being.

For more information on the ALHB and other harmful invasive alien species, please contact our office toll free at 1-800-442-2342, in Toronto at 416-665-5055 or visit our website at www.inspection.gc.ca.

December 31, 2007

Removal of trees susceptible to infestation by the Asian long-horned beetle (ALHB) has been completed. Under the direction of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), approximately 1,000 trees were removed in the Jane Street and Finch Avenue and Jane Street and Sheppard Avenue areas in Toronto as part of the ongoing effort to eradicate ALHB. The CFIA continues to analyse the data collected from these trees to determine if more trees will need to be removed.

While ALHB does not pose a risk to human health, this beetle is an invasive alien species and poses a significant threat to Canada's forests and forest industries. ALHB is an invasive quarantine pest, native to Asia that is known to kill hardwood trees including maple, poplar, willow, elm and birch. Tree removal is the most effective means available to eradicate this beetle.

Moving any susceptible tree material out of the Regulated Area, including all firewood, is prohibited unless authorized by the CFIA. The Regulated Area is bordered in the north by Rutherford Road; in the east by Dufferin Street; in the south by Hwy. 401 and Hwy. 409; and in the west by Hwy. 27.

More information on the ALHB and other invasive alien species can be found at http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/pestrava/pestravae.shtml, or by calling the CFIA in Toronto at 416-665-5055 or toll-free at 1-800-442-2342.