OTTAWA, November 28, 2011: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed
the presence of the emerald ash borer (EAB) on Manitoulin Island in Ontario. One adult
beetle was collected from a survey trap at Highway 6, Sheguindah, Manitoulin Island as
part of our national detection survey for EAB .

Movement restrictions, which prohibit the movement of all ash materials - such as
logs, branches and wood chips - and all species of firewood from the affected site, have
been put in place. Property owners in the affected area have been notified of these
restrictions. Further regulatory measures are being considered.

The presence of EAB has now been
confirmed in 25 Ontario counties, and in three areas in the province of Quebec. Although
EAB does not pose a risk to human health, it is a highly destructive beetle. It has
already killed millions of ash trees in Ontario and the northeastern United States, and
poses a major economic threat to urban and forested areas of North America.

EAB can spread rapidly if it is moved by
people. The most important way to limit the spread of this invasive beetle is to avoid
moving potentially infested ash materials, as well as all species of firewood, to
non-infested areas. The public can play its part in helping to control the spread of
EAB by not moving firewood and ash
materials.

The CFIA will work with
affected stakeholders and First Nations communities in the area, as well as federal,
provincial and municipal governments, towards slowing the spread of EAB. We all have a
responsibility to protect Canada's forests.

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

For media inquiries

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media Relations: 613-773-6600

Additional Information:

Emerald Ash Borer Questions
and Answers

Plant Pest Information

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