First U.S. Detection of Citrus Yellow Vein Clearing Virus

The first detection of citrus yellow vein clearing virus (CYVCV) has been made in Tulare, California. The disease was detected during the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) routine multi-pest survey. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed positive identifications of the disease.

CDFA is surveying for the disease in Tulare County residential and commercial properties and will survey in Fresno and Kings counties in the coming months to fully determine the extent of the disease’s presence. CYVCV is currently believed to be limited to the city of Tulare. The survey results will inform the regulatory approach taken by CDFA and APHIS.

CDFA began initial delimitation survey work in March in a 1-mile core radius area around the initial find site. Since then, CDFA has conducted additional surveys in the surrounding areas, which have resulted in more CYVCV confirmations in the city of Tulare, expanding the survey area.

CDFA is conducting these surveys to gain knowledge on the extent of the infestation and potential impacts of CYVCV. Surveys will be ongoing for the near future. Since the detection of this virus is new to the United States, what is learned will be critical in developing an appropriate regulatory response.

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, or contaminated tools and equipment.

While there is no treatment for CYVCV, as of now the best mitigation measure is to control the vector 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.

Questions about CYVCV should be addressed to the CDFA Pest Hotline at 800-491-1899. California citrus growers can also contact their local grower liaisons.

Source: California Department of Food and Agriculture

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