Cosmo’s Nose Protecting Alameda County From Invasive Pests

ALAMEDA COUNTY, CA — Did you receive a Citrus of the Month gift subscription for the holidays? Have you received backyard fruit from friends, family or co-workers? With citrus in season from California to Florida, a lot of oranges, limes, lemons, grapefruit and more is being shipped or hand delivered - both commercially and by home growers.

Are you aware that both Oakland and Fremont are under quarantine because of invasive pests?

The Community Development Agency’s Agriculture Canine Inspection Team intercepts unmarked parcels containing agricultural commodities infested with harmful exotic pests that can damage agricultural and natural environments both locally and around California.

Agricultural Biologist and Canine Handler Lisa Centoni, and her canine partner ‘Cosmo’, a black Labrador mix, recently detected a package of kaffir limes from Florida containing two deadly citrus plant diseases and invasive insects. The Alameda County Canine Inspection Team found the unmarked package during their routine parcel inspections at the Oakland Post Office.

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The kaffir limes were identified as having Citrus Canker (Xanthamonas axonopodis pv citri), Huanglongbing (Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus), and two types of invasive scale insects.

Citrus Canker causes lesions on citrus fruit and leaves, and fruit production decline. The disease is widespread in citrus-producing regions of the world, including Florida. Fortunately, it has not been found in California.

Citrus Canker can be spread by wind-driven rain, people carrying the infection on their clothes, shoes or hands, by landscaping equipment, and by movement of infected plants and fruit.

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Huanglongbing (HLB) is also a bacterial disease of citrus. HLB, also known as citrus greening or yellow dragon disease, restricts the flow of nutrients within the plants causing blotchy yellowing of leaves, asymmetrical-bitter fruit, and stem dieback. This disease has been found in Asia, Florida, and a few trees in Southern California. There is no known cure for HLB; infected trees usually must be removed and destroyed.

Unlike Citrus Canker, the spread of HLB can be stopped by eradicating the tiny insect that carries the disease from one infected plant to another as it feeds. The insects have been found in several areas within California, including Oakland and Fremont. Quarantine areas have been established around these areas to restrict movement of the pests.

Cosmo and Lisa are one of 14 Agriculture Detector Dog Teams throughout the State. The Dog Teams enhance the inspection of plant products entering California at parcel facilities.

It's recommended that residents not move backyard fruit, vegetables, and plants into and out of California without proper agricultural clearance. If purchasing food online, ask if produce has been properly inspected.

-Images via Alameda County