MDA confirms Emerald Ash Borer in Mower County
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has confirmed emerald ash borer (EAB) in Mower County. Mower County becomes the 23rd county in the state with EAB.
An MDA employee noticed several ash trees along U.S. Highway 63 north of Racine with EAB symptoms. MDA staff were able to find live EAB larvae and collect a sample for federal identification.
Because this is the first time EAB has been identified in Mower County, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is enacting an emergency quarantine to limit the movement of firewood and ash material out of the county. This will reduce the risk of further spreading the tree-killing insect.
An open house for residents and tree care professionals will be announced at a later date.
Emerald ash borer larvae kill ash trees by tunneling under the bark and feeding on the part of the tree that moves nutrients up and down the trunk. The invasive insect was first discovered in Minnesota in 2009 and is now found in 35 states.
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