NAPA COUNTY, CA —Napa County agricultural officials issued an urgent alert after inspectors detected the invasive glassy-winged sharpshooter in grapevines sold at wholesale at Costco.
The finding triggered a multi-county effort to locate 157 unaccounted plants that may now sit in local yards, patios, and gardens.
The Napa County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office confirmed that between April 21 and late May, Costco received 220 grapevines shipped from Burchell Nursery, Inc.
The grapevine plants were sold at Costco Wholesale in Napa. However, inspectors found all life stages of the pest across multiple counties, including Sonoma, Marin, Solano, and Yolo.
Inspectors have destroyed 63 infected plants after identifying at least one egg mass.
Officials warned that the invasive glassy-winged sharpshooter spreads Pierce's disease, a bacterial infection that can kill grapevines and damage almonds, citrus, and ornamental plants.
Napa County Agricultural Commissioner Tracy Cleveland said crews are racing to track down missing plants, isolate potential infestations, and contain spread before vineyards suffer wider damage.
“Vigilance and prompt reporting are essential,” Cleveland added, noting that cooperation from residents will determine how quickly officials can shut down the threat.
Costco has begun directly contacting customers who purchased plants during the affected period and is coordinating with agricultural agencies as inspectors prepare to visit properties where suspect vines may be located.
Officials urged residents who purchased grapevines or fruit trees in April or May to keep plants isolated, avoid planting or moving them, and contact inspectors immediately so containment teams can respond and assess nearby vegetation.
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