MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – A highly contagious bacterial disease that seriously threatens the U.S. citrus industry has been found for the first time in Alabama.
Federal and state plant officials confirm that citrus greening was found in leaf and insect samples at a home on Dauphin Island, according to a news release Tuesday from the state Department of Agriculture and Industries.
They’ve been checking regularly for the bacteria, which has devastated the crop in neighboring Florida over the past decade.
Alabama authorities say a survey beginning July 26 will check whether the disease, also called huanglongbing, has spread past the one yard.
“If the disease is limited to only a few trees, steps will be taken to eradicate the disease,” the statement said.