Citrus Yellow Vein Clearing Virus Found in Los Angeles County

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed positive identifications of Citrus yellow vein clearing virus (CYVCV) in the Hacienda Heights area of Los Angeles County during the California Department of Food and Agriculture's (CDFA) routine multi-pest survey. This is the second area in California where CYVCV has been detected, following the first detections in Tulare County in March 2022.

In response to the additional detections of the virus, CDFA is surveying residential properties within a 1-mile core radius area around the initial find site in Los Angeles County to fully determine the extent of the disease's presence in the area.

Photo credit: https://gd.eppo.int/taxon/CSYV00/photos

CYVCV can be spread by vectors as they move from tree to tree feeding on foliage. The vectors include citrus whitefly, green citrus aphid, melon or cotton aphid, and cowpea aphid, which are all known to be present in California. CYVCV can also be spread through grafting and the movement of infected propagative materials and rootstocks, and contaminated tools and equipment. While there is no treatment for CYVCV, as of now, the best mitigation measures are to control the virus' vectors and sanitize tools and equipment. To the greatest extent possible, growers are encouraged to urge their field crews to clean and sanitize all their equipment thoroughly in between jobs or when moving between groves.

For any questions about CYVCV, please call the CDFA Pest Hotline at 1-800-491-1899 or visit CDFA's website to learn more.