State officials say they've discovered a tree-eating beetle has spread to western Wisconsin.
Officials with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection say they've confirmed the emerald ash borer has been found in Victory, a Vernon County community on the Mississippi River about 20 miles south of La Crosse.
The Asian insect feeds on ash trees during its larval stage. Ash borers attack the soft wood between the bark and the hard wood where vessels carry water and nutrients, causing the tree to decline and eventually die.
The beetle has been found already in Ozaukee and Washington counties.
Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota officials plan to examine the Victory infestation later this week.AP
