Emerald Ash Borer Confirmed In Ottawa, Ontario

Main Category: Water - Air Quality / Agriculture
Article Date: 28 Jul 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of the emerald ash borer (EAB) in the City of Ottawa, Ontario. The infested trees are located in the St. Laurent Boulevard and Highway 417 area.

This invasive beetle does not spread quickly on its own. In fact, it is most commonly spread when people move materials which it has infested. Moving these materials even just a few kilometres away can spread the emerald ash borer to new areas.

We all have a responsibility to protect Canada's forests and area residents can play a key part in helping to control the spread of EAB by not moving firewood, logs, branches, nursery stock, chips or other ash wood.

The Government of Canada is working hard with provinces and municipalities to limit the spread of the emerald ash borer and safeguard our valuable forests.

The CFIA will be carrying out increased surveying of trees in the area to determine the extent of the infestation and affected property owners will be notified. Regulatory measures to control this pest will be taken based on information obtained through the surveys. The CFIA continues to work with its partners and stakeholders toward the goal of slowing the spread of this destructive pest.

Additional information is available on the CFIA web site http://www.inspection.gc.ca at http://www.inspection.gc.ca or by calling 1-866-463-6017.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency