Invasive emerald ash border Confirmed in McLeod County, Minnesota

(McLeod County, MN) -- State officials are implementing an emergency quarantine for an invasive beetle.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture says a state employee noticed signs of emerald ash borer in the trees of McLeod County.

The department says the jewel beetle kills ash trees when its larvae tunnel under the bark and feed off the part of the tree that moves nutrients in the trunk.

Officials say they're prohibiting the movement of firewood and ash material out of the county in an effort to reduce the spread.