Asian Long-Horned Beetle
The Asian Long-Horned Beetle (ALHB) which has devastated the tree canopies in parts of New York City and Chicago since the late 1990's was discovered September 2003 in parts of the City of Toronto and the City of Vaughan.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the City of Toronto, the

City of Vaughan and other partners, are implementing an aggressive campaign to identify infested locations and eradicate the ALHB. This is the first confirmed infestation of Asian Long-Horned Beetle attacking trees in Canada.

The regulated place includes the area bordered in the north by Rutherford Road; in the east by Dufferin Street and Allen Road; in the south by Hwy. 401 and Hwy. 409; and in the west by Hwy. 27. Maps of the regulated and generally infestated areas can by viewed by the following links (Regulated Area Map / Generally Infestated Area Map).
There are now prohibitions or restrictions of movement on nursery stock, trees, leaves, logs, lumber, wood, wood chips and bark chips from certain deciduous trees identified as hosts of the ALHB and firewood of all species. Unless authorized by a Movement Certificate issued by the CFIA, their movement out of or through the regulated area is prohibited. This is necessary to prevent the spread of the ALHB throughout Toronto and the rest of Ontario and Canada. (Media Release)

The CFIA and the City of Toronto are also asking the public's help in watching for the insect and signs of infestation. If you find a live insect, please do not remove it from the area and call the CFIA immediately at 1-800-442-2342. Please call the CFIA at this number if you have any questions.

For more information about the ALHB, including pictures of the insect and signs of infestation, visit the CFIA Web page at http://www.inspection.gc.ca

Source: http://www.toronto.ca/trees/

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Special Requests: Please call me after 5:30 because I am self-employed and my employer does not know I am looking for another job