St. Paul, MN: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has confirmed emerald ash borer (EAB) in Todd County for the first time. There are now 60 counties in the state, including Todd, with EAB.
MDA staff confirmed EAB infested trees along State Hwy 28 near, MN
EAB was first discovered in Minnesota in 2009. The insect 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. Often, the trees show several signs of infestation because of this. Woodpeckers like to feed on EAB larvae, and woodpecker holes may indicate the presence of emerald ash borer. Also, EAB tunneling can cause the bark to split open, revealing characteristic S-shaped galleries underneath.
Because this is the first time EAB has been identified in Todd County, the MDA is enacting an emergency quarantine of the entire county. The quarantine limits the movement of firewood and ash material out of the area.
The MDA issues quarantines for all areas known to have EAB to reduce the risk of further spreading the tree-killing insect.
A virtual informational meeting for residents and tree care professionals in Todd County will be held with experts from the MDA. Staff will give a brief presentation followed by a question-and-answer session.
Emerald Ash Borer Virtual Informational Meeting:
Thursday, May 14, 2026
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Register at https://www.mda.state.mn.us/emerald-ash-borer-quarantine
The public will also have an opportunity to provide input on the proposal to add Todd County’s emergency quarantine to the state’s formal quarantine. The MDA is taking comments on the proposed formal quarantine now through June 5, 2026, and recommends adopting the quarantine on June 10, 2026. The proposed quarantine language can be found at www.mda.state.mn.us/eab.
Comments can be made during the virtual meeting or by contacting:
Mark Abrahamson
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
625 Robert Street North
St. Paul, MN 55155
mark.abrahamson@state.mn.us
There is more EAB information on the MDA website.
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Contact
Brittany Raveill, MDA Communications
651-201-6131
brittany.raveill@state.mn.us
