Citrus Pest Sightings Cause Major Quarantine in Tulare County

FRESNO – A 178 square mile area in Tulare County has been put under quarantine after sightings of the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) pest at three sites around Porterville, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

The ACP is a potential threat because it can carry the disease huanglongbing, also known as citrus greening.  This disease is deadly to citrus and other related species, and there is no cure.  Similar quarantines are in Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Imperial, Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.  In total, more than 45,000 square miles are now under quarantine.

Under the quarantine guidelines, all host nursery stock are prohibited from being removed from out of the quarantine area, and that the leaves and stems of all citrus be cleaned before exiting the area.  An exception is made for stock that is USDA approved to keep the pest out.  The removal of fruit from backyard citrus trees is also not recommended.