The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of the emerald ash borer (EAB) in the city of Pickering , Ontario . The infested trees are located in the Finch Avenue and Liverpool Road area. This is the first find of the pest in the Regional Municipality of Durham.

The CFIA will be carrying out increased surveying of trees in the area to determine the extent of the infestation and affected property owners will be notified. Regulatory measures to control this pest will be taken based on information obtained through the surveys. The CFIA continues to work with its partners and stakeholders toward the goal of slowing the spread of this destructive pest.

This invasive beetle does not spread quickly on its own. In fact, it is most commonly spread when people move materials which it has infested. Moving these materials even just a few kilometres away can spread the emerald ash borer to new areas.

We all have a responsibility to protect Canada ’s forests and area residents can play a key part in helping to control the spread of EAB by not moving firewood, logs, branches, nursery stock, chips or other ash wood. The Government of Canada launched a “Don’t Move Firewood” campaign in June to limit the spread of invasive species by Canadians. Canadians are encouraged to buy firewood locally, burn it on site and never bring it back home.

Additional information is available on the CFIA web site or by calling 1-866-463-6017.