Emerald Ash Borer confirmed in Chertsey

Pest detected outside the regulated area

OTTAWA, Aug. 24, 2017 /CNW/ - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of Emerald Ash Borer in the municipality of Chertsey, in the region of Lanaudière, North of Montreal. This finding was outside of the regulated area, which includes 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 site, is restricted. The property owner in the affected area has 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. Don't move firewood.

Associated link

• Additional information on the Emerald Ash Borer.

Follow the CFIA on social media
Twitter: @CFIA_Canada

SOURCE Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)