The tree-killing emerald ash borer has been found in two more southern Missouri counties, prompting the Missouri Department of Agriculture to place quarantines on the movement of ash wood products in those counties.
State ag officials said Friday that the insect has been identified in Bollinger and Pulaski counties. The quarantine prohibits ash tree products such as logs, lumber, compost, nursery stock and hardwood firewood out of those counties. It's part of an effort to slow the spread of the insect.
The emerald ash borer is native to China and eastern Asia. It was first detected in the U.S. in 2002 and is now in 15 states.
The insect was first discovered in Missouri in July 2008 in Wayne County. It has now been found in six Missouri counties.
