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State Declares New Citrus Quarantine in Northern San Diego County

September 22, 2025

The California Department of Food and Agriculture has established a new citrus quarantine across northern San Diego County and part of Camp Pendleton after finding Huanglongbing (HLB) disease in a residential tree in San Clemente. This quarantine, which connects with existing restrictions in southern Orange County, prohibits moving citrus plants and fruit outside the quarantine boundaries without proper treatment. HLB, spread by the Asian citrus psyllid, poses a significant threat to San Diego County's $144 million citrus industry by causing bitter, misshapen fruit and eventually killing infected trees.

Who is affected

  • San Diego County's $144 million citrus industry
  • Residential citrus growers in the quarantine areas
  • Residents of northern San Diego County and Camp Pendleton
  • Residents in Fallbrook, Oceanside, Rancho Bernardo, and Valley Center (existing quarantine areas)
  • Citrus growers and residents in southern Orange County

What action is being taken

  • County and state officials are testing trees near the infection site
  • Authorities are arranging protective treatments for trees
  • Officials are working with residents and growers to prevent disease spread
  • Movement of citrus plants and fruit outside quarantine boundaries is being restricted
  • The California Department of Food and Agriculture is maintaining quarantines in multiple areas

Why it matters

  • HLB is deadly to citrus trees, causing bitter, misshapen fruit before killing the trees
  • The disease threatens San Diego County's $144 million citrus industry
  • Residential citrus growers' trees are at risk of infection and death
  • The disease is spreading, as evidenced by this first multi-jurisdictional quarantine connecting San Diego and Orange counties
  • While not harmful to humans or animals, the disease impacts citrus production and availability

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint