Fresno County finds citrus pest in central Fresno

An Asian citrus psyllid was found in a backyard tree at a home near Clinton Avenue and Highway 99 in Fresno, the Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office said Monday.

The psyllid is considered a major threat to the state’s citrus industry. The bug is feared because of its potential to carry the deadly citrus disease, huanglongbing, also known as citrus greening.

All citrus and closely related species are susceptible hosts for both the insect and the disease. So far, the disease has not been found in the Valley’s citrus belt.

Agricultural Commissioner Les Wright reminds consumers that California-grown citrus is safe to eat and the disease is not harmful to human health.

“ACP is another example of the many invasive species that enter our state every year,” Wright said.

This week, survey crews from the California Department of Food and Agriculture will begin checking trees in the area for live psyllids. Treatment of backyard trees will begin after a public informational meeting is held.

A five-mile quarantine around the find will also prohibit citrus trees and fruit from being moved outside the area.

For more information contact the Fresno County Department of Agriculture, (559) 600-7510.

This story was originally published January 4, 2016 at 2:21 PM with the headline "Fresno County finds citrus pest in central Fresno."