Deadly tree bacteria found at U.S.-Mexico border
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Web Producer: Mo Olivas
NOGALES, Ariz. (KGUN9-TV) - Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists discovered a dangerous pest at the Port of Mariposa known as an Asian Citrus Psyllid.
The Asian Citrus Psyllid, or Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, is an insect that can carry a deadly, bacterial tree disease known as Citrus Greening Disease. The pest feeds on leaves and stems of citrus plants.
CBP agriculture specialists found the pest concealed on Monday, January 7 in a bag containing fresh citrus leaves, according to a press release. The owner was driving a private vehicle attempting to enter the United States from Mexico. Officers were first told the vehicle contained no agricultural items of interest but upon secondary inspection, a CBP canine alerted to live plants.
The driver was released after paying a civil penalty for failure to declare.
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