Deadly Citrus Tree Disease Detected in Calexico, Triggering Five-Mile Quarantine

CALEXICO, Calif. - The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have confirmed the first detection of Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening disease, in Imperial County.

The disease was detected in a single citrus tree on a residential property in the city of Calexico, according to CDFA. The detection has triggered a mandatory five-mile quarantine surrounding the location where the infected tree was found.

The quarantine area is bordered by McCabe Road to the north, the U.S.-Mexico border to the south, Rockwood Road to the west and Barbara Worth Road to the east.

The quarantine restricts the movement of citrus plants, nursery stock, host plants and plant parts out of the affected area. Commercially cleaned and packed citrus fruit may be moved under specific provisions.

Residentially grown citrus fruit that has not been commercially cleaned and packed must remain on the property where it was grown, although it may be processed or consumed on the premises. The restrictions apply to citrus such as oranges, lemons, grapefruit and kumquats.

Infected Tree Removed

CDFA officials said staff have treated and removed the infected tree and are surveying citrus trees within a 250-meter radius of the detection site.

A treatment program will also be conducted within the same 250-meter area to reduce populations of the Asian citrus psyllid, the insect responsible for spreading HLB.

Huanglongbing is a bacterial disease that affects the vascular system of citrus trees and plants. It is spread by the Asian citrus psyllid as the insect feeds on citrus leaves and stems.

According to CDFA, HLB does not pose a threat to humans or animals. However, once a citrus tree becomes infected, there is currently no cure and the tree will eventually die.

HLB has previously been detected in parts of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura counties. More than 10,700 trees in those quarantine areas have tested positive for the disease and been removed since 2012.

Residents Asked to Take Precautions

Residents within the quarantine area are being urged not to move citrus plants, leaves or foliage into or out of the quarantine area, including across state or international borders.

Agricultural officials are also asking residents to cooperate with inspectors who may place traps, inspect citrus trees or conduct pest treatments.

Residents who no longer wish to maintain a citrus tree are encouraged to consider removing it so the tree does not become a potential host for the Asian citrus psyllid and HLB.

CDFA said it is working with the USDA and the Imperial County Agricultural Commissioner on the response.

The agencies will also work with Mexico's National Service for Agro-Alimentary Health, Safety and Quality, known as SENASICA, regarding quarantine implications along the international border.

The detection marks the first time HLB has been confirmed in Imperial County, according to CDFA.

For additional information about the quarantine and how residents can protect citrus trees, residents can visit CDFA's Citrus Division website or CaliforniaCitrusThreat.org.