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Presence of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in Several Sites in the City of Chatham

ESSEX, October 8, 2004 – Through ongoing survey efforts in the Chatham area, inspectors with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) have confirmed the presence of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in several sites in the City of Chatham.

All infested trees are removed and destroyed when they are found. CFIA survey crews are now conducting extensive tree surveys in the immediate area to determine the extent of the problem. These finds of EAB in Chatham suggest that EAB may be generally established in the area at low levels. In most cases, one or two trees have been attacked at each site.

The CFIA is reviewing the survey information gathered from the new finds to determine what additional survey and control measures are required in the area. This will be assessed as more data becomes available.

Despite the recent finds outside the Ash-Free Zone, the Zone has been effective in limiting the beetle’s natural spread. Based on the quick spread of EAB in the U.S. and scientific data gathered by the CFIA and its partners, the EAB would have spread much more rapidly without the zone in place.

Notices of Prohibition of Movement documents have been mailed to over 5000 homeowners in Chatham, indicating that an infested tree has been found within 500 meters of their properties. The Notices prohibit the movement of ash, as well as firewood of all species to control the spread of EAB.

The Municipality of Chatham‑Kent and the CFIA are asking other Chatham‑Kent residents not to move any logs, branches, nursery stock, chips or other wood to minimize any potential movement of the EAB.

The CFIA has a toll‑free information line to respond to enquires public inquiries about the EAB. Please call 1 866‑463‑6017 for more information or to report ash trees that appear to be in decline.

For photos and more information on the Emerald Ash Borer, please see our website at www.inspection.gc.ca

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Minister’s Office:
Elizabeth Whiting
Press Secretary
(613) 759-1761

CFIA Media Relations:
Essex (519) 776-5616
Ottawa (613) 228-6682