13 November 2003

Minister Vanclief Outlines Action Plan in Fight Against Asian Long-Horned Beetle

Members may be interested in the Asian Long-Horned Beetle infestation in the Toronto area; prevention of this type of infestation affected importation of wood packaging material and wooden pallets.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lyle Vanclief today announced a multi-pronged approach to combat the Asian Long-horned Beetle (ALHB) infestation in Toronto.

"Together with our partners at the municipal, provincial and federal levels of government, we will work to prevent the further spread of this pest, in order to save one of our most valuable natural resources - our nation’s hardwood trees," said Mr. Vanclief.

Cutting of trees on public property will commence next week, as survey work continues on private property in the area of the border between the cities of Toronto and Vaughan. Trees on private property are slated for removal just prior to spring. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is cooperating with the Cities of Toronto and Vaughan, and York Region along with Toronto and Region Conservation in these activities.

The CFIA is also pursuing emergency registration for new pesticides as one means of preventing the spread of the insect. The Agency will take the opportunity over the winter while the beetle is inactive, to collaborate with its partners on a multi-pronged approach to eradication and to continue sharing scientific data with cooperating departments and agencies, to add to our knowledge of the beetle and its habits.

The Government has launched an extensive public awareness campaign to educate residents about the beetle and the threat it poses. The need to prevent the movement of firewood, nursery stock, trees and branches from within the infested area is being stressed. In this respect, the public’s help is crucial.

"Thanks to Mr. Heiko Mantik’s actions in notifying the CFIA of his unusual find, the beetle was unable to continue its spread undetected in the area.

This highlights how vital the cooperation of the public is in helping us to identify, fight and ultimately eradicate this destructive beetle, " said Minister Vanclief.

The Asian Long-horned Beetle is one of three invasive forest pests that Canada is dealing with at this time. The other two are the Emerald Ash Borer in Essex County, and the Brown Spruce Long-horned Beetle in Halifax.

All three are serious pests. The CFIA’s program to counter the Brown Spruce Long-horned Beetle is now in its fourth year of operation and the Agency and its partners are making good progress towards eradication.

Following extensive surveys in Essex County, the CFIA will be embarking on aggressive strategies to control the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer.