Citrus tree-killing bacteria found on Fallbrook insects marks first discovery in San Diego County

FALLBROOK (CNS) - State agricultural inspectors have detected bacteria that can cause a disease deadly to citrus trees during routine pest trapping in Fallbrook, San Diego County officials announced Friday, Dec. 31.

The bacteria is not harmful to people or animals, was detected on insects.

A routine spot check by the California Department of Food & Agriculture on Dec. 28 collected a group of four adult Asian citrus psyllid from a citrus tree on residential property in the Fallbrook area carrying the bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus.

These bacteria can cause a citrus disease called Hu...