The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of the emerald ash borer (EAB) in Toronto, Ontario. Located in the vicinity of Sheppard Avenue East and Highway 404, the infested trees were first detected by Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources staff. This is the first find of the pest in the Toronto area.

While EAB poses no risk to human health, this beetle is an invasive alien species and poses a significant threat to our forests and forest industries.

The CFIA is surveying to determine the extent of infestation in the area. The pest is currently in its dormant period and will not spread naturally during the winter months.

Tree removal is not considered an effective tool for the control of EAB. However, some trees may be removed in collaboration with Natural Resources Canada – Canadian Forest Service for research purposes. Affected property owners will be eligible for compensation under the Introduced Forest Pest Compensation Regulations.

Restrictions on the movement of all firewood and ash tree materials will be implemented on properties within a five-kilometre radius from where EAB was detected. This is necessary to stop the movement of potentially infested materials that may harbour the insect. EAB is generally spread through the movement of infested firewood, nursery stock and forest products. Affected property owners will be notified of these restrictions by the CFIA.

Trees, nursery stock, logs, lumber, wood packaging, wood or bark, wood chips or bark chips of ash trees (genus Fraxinus), as well as firewood of all species will be regulated for EAB.

EAB has previously been confirmed in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent as well as Essex, Elgin, Lambton, Middlesex and Norfolk counties. Regulated areas have been implemented in these areas to control the movement of potentially infested materials and slow the spread of the pest to new areas.

The CFIA will continue to work with its partners and stakeholders toward the goal of slowing the spread of this destructive pest.

Additional information on EAB and other invasive alien species is available on the CFIA web site at inspection.gc/ or by calling 1 866 463-6017.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency