Northern San Diego County is facing a new citrus quarantine, mandated by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). Officials implemented the quarantine after discovering Huanglongbing (HLB), a deadly citrus disease, in a residential San Clemente tree. Affectionately known as citrus greening, HLB could pose a serious threat to San Diego's substantial $144 million citrus industry and backyard fruit trees throughout the region.
The quarantine zone extends from southern Orange County to the northern reaches of San Diego County, including parts of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, according to the County of San Diego. This precaution comes on the heels of similar measures in Fallbrook, Oceanside, Rancho Bernardo, and Valley Center, which remain in effect. Maps of the newly quarantined area can be accessed through the CDFA website, offering clarity to those wondering if their homes or businesses fall within the impacted zone.
The insidious nature of HLB lies in its slow destruction of citrus trees, resulting in misshapen, bitter fruit before leading the tree to its eventual demise. "Unfortunately, Huanglongbing is fatal to citrus, so our goal is to prevent this disease from spreading," San Diego Agricultural Commissioner Ha Dang stated, per the County of San Diego. The quarantine aims to curb the spread of the disease by restricting the movement of citrus plants, parts, and fruit from within the quarantine boundaries, except for agricultural businesses complying with stringent treatment and packaging protocols.
With additional cases of HLB potentially on the horizon, the CDFA promises to stay vigilant, assisting residents with treatments and advising on the safe disposal of citrus waste. The County encourages those under the quarantine to report suspicious tree symptoms by dialing CDFA's Pest Hotline or visiting their website for more information.
