California Does Not Have HLB Citrus Disease

Media Reports from Argentine Internet Sites Are Bogus

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) today announced California remains free of the disease Huanglongbing (HLB) that has destroyed citrus trees worldwide.

“California does not have the citrus disease Huanglongbing, despite some erroneous reports to the contrary from Argentina that have appeared on the internet,” said Michael T. Jarvis, CDFA deputy secretary for public affairs. “We continue to aggressively trap and test Asian Citrus Psyllid pests to make sure the disease does not exist in California. All tests have been negative to date.”

Huanglongbing (HLB) is a bacterial plant disease that – while not harmful to human health – destroys the production, appearance and economic value of citrus trees and the taste of the fruit and juice. It is the most serious citrus plant disease in the world and once a tree is infected, there is no cure. Diseased trees produce bitter, inedible, misshapen fruit and eventually die. HLB has already destroyed citrus fruit production in various parts of the world, including Florida, where the industry is now in rapid decline.

For more information, please visit the CDFA website at www.cdfa.ca.gov or for information in Spanish visit http://www.peligrancitricosencalifornia.com/

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 The California Department of Food and Agriculture protects and promotes California’s agriculture.