California Declares New Citrus Quarantine in Ramona

This adds to existing HLB quarantines in San Diego County as officials work to limit the spread of the destructive citrus disease.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 7:04pm

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The California Department of Food and Agriculture has declared a new citrus quarantine in Ramona after trees infected with the Huanglongbing (HLB) disease were discovered in the area. HLB, also known as citrus greening, is a devastating disease that has no cure and can ultimately kill citrus trees. The quarantine adds to existing HLB quarantines already in effect in other parts of San Diego County.

Why it matters

HLB poses a major threat to California's $3.4 billion citrus industry, which produces over 80% of the nation's fresh citrus. The disease has already devastated citrus crops in Florida, and officials are working to prevent a similar fate in California by quickly identifying and removing infected trees to slow the spread.

The details

The new Ramona quarantine requires residents and businesses to follow strict protocols, including not moving citrus plants, leaves or foliage in or out of the quarantine area, thoroughly washing backyard citrus before moving it, and reporting any sick-looking or declining citrus trees. Agricultural officials will be increasing surveying and treatment efforts in the coming weeks.

  • The new citrus quarantine in Ramona was declared this week by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

The players

Ha Dang

San Diego County's agricultural commissioner, who stated that lessons from Florida's experience with HLB have helped limit the disease's destruction in California so far.

California Department of Food and Agriculture

The state agency that declared the new citrus quarantine in Ramona after infected trees were discovered in the area.

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What they’re saying

“Valuable lessons from Florida's devastating HLB experience have shaped the way CA regulates and responds to citrus threats. So far, this has helped limit the HLB destruction of CA's citrus industry.”

— Ha Dang, San Diego County Agricultural Commissioner

What’s next

Agricultural officials will be increasing surveying and treatment efforts in the Ramona area in the coming weeks to identify and remove any additional infected trees.

The takeaway

The new citrus quarantine in Ramona highlights the ongoing battle against the devastating Huanglongbing disease in California, which has already devastated citrus crops in other states. By quickly identifying and removing infected trees, officials hope to limit the spread of HLB and protect the state's vital $3.4 billion citrus industry.