The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of the emerald ash borer (EAB) in Toronto, Ontario, in the vicinity of Sheppard Avenue East and Highway 404.

The infested trees in Toronto were detected by Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources staff and have been confirmed positive for EAB by CFIA laboratory analysis. The CFIA is investigating the extent and the origin of this infestation, but initial estimates are that the beetle has been in the area for abut five years.

Tree removal is no longer considered an effective tool for the control of EAB given what is now known about how this insect spreads. Restrictions prohibiting the movement of nursery stock, logs, lumber, wood packaging, wood or bark, wood chips or bark chips of ash trees (genus Fraxinus), and all firewood will be implemented on properties within a five-kilometre radius from where EAB was detected. This is necessary to stop the movement of materials that may harbour the insect. Affected property owners will be notified of these restrictions.

While EAB poses no risk to human health, the beetle is an invasive alien species that poses a significant threat to our forests and forest industries. Current EAB regulated areas in Canada include Essex County and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, Elgin County, Lambton County and Middlesex County.

More information on EAB and other invasive alien species can be found at www.inspection.gc.ca or by calling 1-866-463-6017.