Regulated area for invasive box tree moth expanded to parts of the Maritimes
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has added much of the Maritimes to a regulated area for an invasive species.
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as Quebec, have now joined Ontario as part of the regulated area because of the box tree moth.
The CFIA says the decision came after interceptions of the moth in Quebec and the Atlantic provinces last summer, and the confirmation of established populations in Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
The agency says Prince Edward Island opted to stay outside the regulated area.
“Stopping the spread of invasive species such as box tree moth is the most effective way to safeguard forests and native plants, as well as protect Canada's forestry and horticulture-related businesses,” reads a release from CFIA.
“This change is intended to stop the spread of box tree moth to new areas where it is not yet established.”
The insect is not harmful to human health, but is highly destructive to boxwood plants, causing leaf loss and other issues.
“These woody ornamental plants are not native to North America and are widely distributed in nurseries, gardens, and parks,” the CFIA release adds.
“Signs of infestation include leaf loss and larval webbing on the plant. Infestations have significant economic and environmental repercussions, particularly on Canada's multimillion-dollar boxwood industry.”
The agency says the plants can be moved freely within those provinces, but require authorization by the CFIA to be transported outside of them.
If moving the plants, people should look for egg masses, larvae, or discharge.
The CFIA says it is working to prevent the moths from spreading to P.E.I. and west of Ontario.
Anyone who sees a box tree moth outside the regulated areas can report it to the CFIA.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From essential goods to common stocking stuffers, Trudeau offering Canadians temporary tax relief
Canadians will soon receive a temporary tax break on several items, along with a one-time $250 rebate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday.
'It didn't sound good': Mother shares what her sons went through with walking pneumonia
A mother shares with CTVNews.ca her family's health scare as medical experts say cases of the disease and other respiratory illnesses have surged, filling up emergency departments nationwide.
BREAKING Matt Gaetz drops bid for Trump attorney general in face of U.S. Senate opposition
Hardline Republican Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration as U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's attorney general, in the face of opposition from the Senate Republicans whose support he would have needed to win the job.
Mother charged after infant dies in midtown Toronto: police
The mother of an infant who died after being found at an apartment building in midtown Toronto on Wednesday has been charged with failing to provide the necessaries of life.
Here's a list of items that will be GST/HST-free over the holidays
Canadians won’t have to pay GST on a selection of items this holiday season, the prime minister vowed on Thursday.
Manitoba RCMP issue Canada-wide warrant for Ontario semi-driver charged in deadly crash
Manitoba RCMP have issued a Canada-wide arrest warrant for the semi-driver involved in a crash that killed an eight-year-old girl and her mother.
2 arrested during Greenpeace protest outside Stornoway residence in Ottawa
Two people have been arrested following a protest outside Stornoway, the official residence of Canada's leader of the Opposition.
Arrest warrant issued for suspect charged in Toronto airport gold heist
Peel police say a bench warrant has been issued for the arrest of one of the suspects charged in connection with the gold heist at Pearson International Airport last year.
'This is cold': P.E.I. mother upset over decision to remove late daughter's photos from school memorial wall
A high school on Prince Edward Island is removing pictures of its late students from a memorial wall – a decision that has upset one mother whose daughter attended the school.