Quarantine for Wisconsin: emerald ash borer

Officials have confirmed emerald ash borer in a southwest Iowa county and they say it’s the furthest west the invasive insect has been spotted in the state.

Samples were delivered to the United States Department of Agriculture (DA) for confirmation of the case, which came back on August 12. Wood product business owners are required to coordinate with the state to ensure that the EAB infestations do not spread widely; however, members of the public seem to be the reason for the transmissions.

Jackson County will be quarantined for emerald ash borer, following detection and confirmation of an infestation in the city of Black River Falls.

Under the quarantine, no ash wood products and hardwood firewood will be taken from the county to areas not under quarantine.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP), the ash borer was confirmed in a tree at the Department of Natural Resources Service Center in Black River Falls on August 6. That’s why we strongly discourage moving firewood even within quarantine areas.

Emerald ash borer is creeping closer towards Eau Claire County, following infestations in Wisconsin’s northern and southern portions.

Kuhn notes that other forest pests and diseases also move easily and invisibly from one location to another under the bark of firewood.

They also gave out words of advice to public including encouragement to consider preventative treatments for those that had property within 15 miles of any known infestation.

From Buffalo County east to Door County along with Douglas and Oneida counties in Wisconsin have been quarantined.

Native to China, the emerald ash borer probably entered the country on packing material as it originally emerged in 2002 in Michigan.

It is not just Wisconsin that is in danger of the emerald ash borer.