Dutch Elm disease bio-vaccine approved for use in Canada

European Product is like a Flu Vaccine for Elm Trees

TORONTO , Nov. 3 /CNW/ - A bio-vaccine that is 99% effective in the prevention of Dutch elm disease is now approved for use in Canada for the first time. Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) has completed an extensive review and approved full registration for the bio-vaccine Dutch Trig (R) as of October 19th 2009.

Dutch Trig (R) is unique because it is a biological solution that is chemical free. It is a pure suspension of conidiospores of Verticillium isolate WCS850 in distilled water. Once injected, the vaccine induces a response from the immune system of the tree and stimulates its natural defense mechanisms.

"It's like getting a flu shot for your elm", says Phillip van Wassenaer, President and Chief Consulting Arborist of Urban Forest Innovative Solutions, the Mississauga, Ontario company that is distributing the product. "With these defense mechanisms up and running, the elm is able to successfully defend itself from Dutch elm disease throughout the growing season. Canadians can now protect their elm trees from Dutch elm disease with an effective, low cost and completely safe biological treatment," says Mr.van Wassenaer.

While significantly reduced by Dutch elm disease for the past 60 years, elm trees are still found in many of Canada's urban forests. Across the prairies, provincial and municipal governments spend millions of dollars annually to protect their precious elm populations.

Dutch Trig (R) was originally created at the University of Amsterdam . It has been used effectively in Europe since 1992 and the United States since 1995. Urban Forest Innovative Solutions is the only distributor of Dutch Trig (R) in Canada . Dutch Trig (R) is available for use by municipalities and tree care companies to protect both private and publicly owned elm trees.

For more information, please visit: www.ufis.ca and www.dutchtrig.com

For further information: Mike Thibeault, Corporate Communications, Urban Forest Innovative Solutions, [phone], e-mail: [email protected], www.ufis.ca