 |
|
| Asian long horned beetle |
The Canadian Federal government recently announced that the Asian long horned beetle (ALHB), which attacks and kills healthy broadleaf trees such as maple, poplar, birch and willow, has been eradicated in Toronto and Mississauga. This was the only known population in Canada, and an eradication is declared when a pest is not detected for five years.
This insect is native to Asia and was introduced to North America in the 1990s through untreated wooden shipping material such as pallets, crates and boxes. Once in a new environment, the ALHB can disperse naturally or spread long distance through transport of infested wood products, including firewood and logs.
To prevent the spread, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) established a regulated area within the cities of Mississauga and Toronto that restricted the movement of nursery stock, trees, lumber, wood and wood products, including all firewood, unless given prior authorization. Combined with a promotional campaign creating awareness about the movement of firewood, CFIA, with the help of residents and businesses, were successful in eradicating this destructive invasive species.
Long established import regulations regarding the shipping of wooden shipping material, have also helped prevent further infestation from overseas origin points.
For more information, contact David Lychek, Manager – Ocean & Air Services.
 |
