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CFIA CONTINUES FIGHT AGAINST THE EMERALD ASH BORER

Chatham-Kent, February 4, 2005 – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is continuing tree removal operations in Chatham-Kent to control the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB).

In 2004, CFIA tree survey data revealed low levels of infestation of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in Chatham-Kent. The CFIA and the EAB Science Committee have evaluated the situation and determined that the level of infestation in Chatham-Kent is still at a manageable level. There is a significant opportunity to reduce the spread based on current observations.

The EAB has become a serious problem in the last five years, killing up to 200,000 trees in Essex County and millions more in the U.S. Ash trees are an important part of our urban and forest environment and EAB poses a major environmental and economic threat. Canada and the U.S. are working together to harmonize strategies to combat the spread of EAB. Both countries will focus energies on preventing the spread through "gateways," such as St. Clair and Sault St. Marie.

The CFIA will be contracting professional tree removal companies to conduct the work under CFIA guidance. This will act as a control measure to reduce the overall EAB population as trees infested at low levels do not show outward signs of infestation and it is difficult to detect at low levels. The CFIA has sent Notices to Dispose and explanatory letters to property owners.

Evidence suggests that the infestations in Chatham-Kent are the result of the movement of infested materials and not the natural spread of the beetle. The Agency is asking for the public’s help by not removing any firewood from Essex County or the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. The Ministerial Order for the County of Essex will remain in effect and firewood of all species will continue to be regulated to prevent the further spread of EAB.

The Agency will continue enforcement of the regulations along with its partners, including Parks Canada, Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA), Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) and the Chatham-Kent and Leamington police forces, to enforce these regulations and to educate the public on the risks posed by the movement of firewood and other ash forest products. The movement of infested firewood is seen as the number one risk for the spread of EAB.

The Ash Free Zone, which has been effective in slowing the natural spread of EAB from Essex County, and the Ash Free Zone Regulations will also continue to be in effect. These regulations are necessary to prevent the spread of the beetle beyond the area where it has been found. As a further measure, the CFIA has added the Municipality of Chatham-Kent as an area regulated for EAB.

The Agency continues to work in close cooperation with its partners and seek advice from the EAB Science Committee, a group comprised of scientists from government departments and agencies and universities from both Canada and the U.S.

For further information on the Emerald Ash Borer, please contact the toll-free line at 1-866-463-6017 or visit our website at www.inspection.gc.ca.

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CFIA Media Relations:
(613) 228-6682