U.S. bans Canadian ash trees to reduce spread of EAB
The USDA has taken the first steps toward prohibiting or restricting the importation of ash nursery stock and other propagative plant material from regulated areas in Canada to prevent the artificial spread of emerald ash borer (EAB).
EAB host material from CFIA regulated areas in Canada is prohibited, including nursery stock, plants, other propagative plant material, ash logs and wood with bark that cannot be feasibly inspected, treated or handled to prevent the introduction of the pest.
EAB is indigenous to Asia, and was discovered in Michigan and along the U.S. border in Ontario in 2002. The affected areas were quarantined and restrictions placed on movement of ash nursery stock and firewood. The tiny pest has since been found in the U.S. in Illinois, Indiana, Maryland and Ohio.
For more information on EAB, visit the CFIA website at www.inspection.gc.ca
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