California Issues Multi-Jurisdictional Citrus Quarantine for Huanglongbing Disease in Northern San Diego

California agricultural officials have issued a new multi-jurisdictional citrus quarantine in northern San Diego County and part of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton after detecting Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening, in a residential tree in the San Clemente area. The disease, spread by the Asian citrus psyllid insect, is fatal to citrus trees and poses a significant threat to San Diego County's $144 million citrus industry by causing misshapen, bitter fruit and eventual tree death. The quarantine restricts the movement of citrus nursery stock, plant parts, and fruit outside designated boundaries to prevent the spread of HLB, while commercial growers must follow strict treatment and handling protocols. This quarantine area extends from southern Orange County to northern San Diego County, joining existing quarantines in Fallbrook, Oceanside, Rancho Bernardo, and Valley Center, marking the first time San Diego has enacted a quarantine crossing jurisdictional lines. Officials emphasize the importance of cooperation from residents and businesses to protect local agriculture and encourage reporting of suspected infected trees through the state's pest hotline or website. Continued monitoring and assistance for treatment and disposal of affected trees will be provided to mitigate the disease's impact.