From May to September 2025, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will be conducting inspections on select properties in the Niagara Region and the City of Hamilton as part of the ongoing Plum Pox Virus (PPV) Monitoring and Management Program.
PPV is a serious plant disease that affects stone fruit trees such as apricot, nectarine, peach, and plum, as well as some ornamental shrubs like purple leaf sand cherry. While the virus poses no risk to human or animal health, it threatens Canada’s stone fruit industry.
A regulated area has been established in parts of Niagara and Hamilton where PPV has been detected. To prevent the virus from spreading beyond this zone, strict regulations are in place, including:
- A ban on propagating (growing or multiplying) plants that are susceptible to the virus.
- Restrictions on moving regulated plant material outside of the regulated area without written permission from the CFIA.
During the survey, CFIA inspectors may visit orchard and residential properties to collect samples or check for compliance with these rules. Property owners may see CFIA staff working on or near their property.
PPV spreads mainly through aphids and by moving or propagating infected plant material.
For more information about the program or the survey, please contact:
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
905-937-7434
PPV-Sharka@inspection.gc.ca
Additional Resources:
Inspection Information: Canadian Food Inspection Agency - inspection.canada.ca
Plum Pox Virus Information: Plum pox virus - inspection.canada.ca
We thank residents and business owners for their cooperation in protecting the local fruit industry.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Liliana Busnello
Manager of Corporate Communications
Town of Lincoln
905-563-2799 ext. 230