Officials Warn Against Citrus Disease Spreading In OC

MISSION VIEJO, CA — A deadly disease threatening citrus trees in California was detected in Mission Viejo, city officials said this week.

The disease — Huanglongbing, or HLB — has continued to spread in Orange County with a quarantine in place throughout parts of the region, according to the city.

City officials said HLB is one of the biggest threats to California citrus. While the disease is not harmful to humans, officials said the disease has no cure and infected trees will die.

"It's important for backyard citrus tree owners in Mission Viejo to continue to care for their citrus trees," the city said in a statement. "A lack of maintenance could be invitation for the disease."

To help residents throughout the state understand what the HLB quarantine means, the Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Program answers commonly asked questions to best explain how everyone can work to protect California’s citrus.

Residents are encouraged to do their part by reporting signs of HLB on their backyard citrus trees to 1-800-491-1899.For more information, visit this link.