Madera County declares local emergency over fear crop virus could spread

MADERA COUNTY, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – A temporary local emergency for Madera County was declared on Wednesday due to fears about a virus that affects crops and poses a risk to public health.

Concerns about the Beet Curly Top Virus come after officials reported an increase in populations of the beet leafhopper (BLH) in the wildland and agricultural areas of Madera County. Officials say this has precipitated a concern for the spread of the Beet Curly Top Virus, a disease known to cause serious crop damage, as the beet leafhopper is known to help spread the virus.

According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture , crops susceptible to the virus include:

• Tomatoes
• Sugar beets
• Melons
• Peppers
• Beans
• Hemp
• Cucumbers
• Squash
• Pumpkins
• Spinach

The local emergency was declared by Madera County Director of Emergency Services, Tyson J. Pogue.

“We will continue to closely monitor this evolving situation. The conditions amidst ongoing infestation activity require a high level of immediate attention. We ask residents, and our agricultural community in particular, to be vigilant as these circumstances progress,” said Sheriff Pogue.

According to officials, the “impending crisis” has the potential to severely impair public health and safety, which necessitates a proclamation of a local emergency to obtain a standard level of public protection for the county.

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