State department says it will treat impacted areas of bacteria that causes deadly citrus disease

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is working to eradicate the presence of a bacteria that causes the deadly citrus tree disease Huanglongbing (HLB) in plant tissue and the insect Asian citrus psyllid - which can spread it - in Orange County cities including Mission Viejo.

CDFA issued an emergency proclamation this week stating the agency will now actively treat impacted areas.

The City reported in February about the CDFA's efforts to survey several areas in Orange County including parts of Mission Viejo in an effort to protect the state's iconic 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 and once a citrus tree is infected it will die. The HLB quarantine placed limits on the transport and movement of citrus plants and material to prevent the spread of the deadly disease.

Residents of affected properties will be contacted directly by CDFA staff, according to the state. The proclamation of the emergency program and maps for treatment including portions of Mission Viejo are available at this link.

Residents can sign up to receive email updates from the CDFA about the issue and call the pest hotline with questions at 800-491-1899. Additional details, resources and answers to frequently asked questions are available on the CDFA's site.