The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) announced the presence of a bacterium that causes the citrus tree disease Huanglongbing (HLB) and the insect Asian citrus psyllid in Orange County cities.
The CDFA issued a proclamation that the agency will be actively surveying and treating impacted areas. Residents of affected properties will be invited to a public meeting or contacted directly by CDFA staff.
The news from CDFA follows a warning and quarantine that has been in place throughout segments of the region to protect the state’s citrus fruit.
The deadly citrus tree disease Huanglongbing (HLB) is one of the biggest threats to California citrus. While HLB is not harmful to humans, there is no cure; once a citrus tree is infected, it will die. The HLB quarantine limited the transport and movement of citrus plants and material to prevent the spread of the deadly disease.
The emergency program proclamation is available at this link. Maps for Treatment Area 1, which includes portions of neighboring Mission Viejo, are also available through this link.
Additional details, resources and answers to frequently asked questions are available on the CDFA’s website.
Residents can register for email updates from the CDFA about the issue and call the pest hotline with questions at 800-491-1899.