Orange County and state officials announced Friday that deadly bacteria has been found in a citrus tree in La Habra.
An “extensive survey and limited treatment program” will be conducted by the Orange County Public Works, Agricultural Commissioner’s Office and the California Department of Food and Agriculture. The response was triggered by the detection of “huanglongbing,” or HLB, in a citrus tree in La Habra, according to the Orange County Public Works Department.
The bacteria is not a threat to humans, but can be fatal for citrus plants. The agency also found samples of adult Asian citrus psyllids, or ACP, in two places in Anaheim which tested positive for the bacteria that leads to HLB.
Officials will look for more infected trees and remove them to stem any spread of the disease.
“We’re working to determine the full extent of this incident so that we can protect our community’s citrus trees,” said Orange County Agricultural Commissioner Jeff Croy. “We want to emphasize citrus fruit is safe to eat and the disease is not harmful to human health.”
Croy said his agency was notified of the HLB in La Habra on Tuesday.
The Asian Citrus Psyllids with the bacteria were found in Anaheim on April 3, Croy said.
— City News Service