Vancouver – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of emerald ash borer (EAB – Agrilus planipennis) in the City of Vancouver, British Columbia. These detections, which are outside of currently regulated areas for emerald ash borer in Canada, are the first detections of EAB larvae in BC.
Emerald ash borer is a highly destructive insect that attacks and kills ash trees (Fraxinus sp.). It is a federally regulated pest in Canada. EAB is currently found in parts of six provinces and is spreading to new areas via the movement of firewood and ash material (such as logs, branches and wood chips). This pest poses no threat to human health.
The CFIA has put movement restrictions in place to protect Canada’s landscape and economy by preventing the spread of emerald ash borer to non-infested areas of Canada. Effective April 2024, the movement of all ash material such as logs, branches, and woodchips, and all species of firewood from the affected sites, is restricted. The property owners in the affected area have been notified of these restrictions.
The CFIA is conducting surveillance activities to determine where EAB may be present, and is collaborating with the City of Vancouver, the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, the Province of British Columbia, and other stakeholders to respond to the detections and slow the spread of this pest.