OTTAWA, Oct. 20, 2017 /CNW/ - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of emerald ash borer in the city of Sherbrooke, in the Quebec's Eastern Townships. These findings were outside of the regulated area, which includes the regional county municipalities of southwest Quebec, from Pontiac to Acton, and all of southern Ontario.

Effective immediately, the movement of all ash material such as logs, branches, and woodchips, and all species of firewood from the affected sites, is restricted. The property owners in the affected areas have been notified of these restrictions. The regulated area will be expanded by the end of 2017, after the CFIA completes its survey work.

Although the emerald ash borer poses no threat to human health, it is highly destructive to ash trees. It has already killed millions of ash trees in Ontario, Quebec and the United States, and poses a major economic and environmental threat to urban and forested areas of North America. The CFIA continues to work with federal, provincial, and municipal governments to slow the spread of this pest.

Quick facts

• The emerald ash borer is native to China and eastern Asia. Its presence in Canada was first confirmed in 2002.
• The emerald ash borer is present only in certain areas of Ontario and Quebec and is regulated by the CFIA to protect Canada's forests and nurseries.
• Moving untreated firewood is a common way for invasive insects and diseases to spread.

Associated links

• Additional information on the emerald ash borer
• Don't move firewood

Follow the CFIA on social media
Twitter: @CFIA_Canada

SOURCE Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)

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