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leaves and fruit are brown, raised lesions surrounded by <br />oily, water -soaked areas and a yellow ring or halo <br />(Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer <br />Services). <br />There is no known chemical compound that will destroy <br />the citrus canker bacteria. In order to eradicate the <br />disease, infected trees must be cut down and disposed <br />of properly. If is a highly contagious disease that can <br />be spread rapidly by windborne rain, lawnmowers and <br />other landscaping equipment, animals and birds, people <br />carrying the infection on their hands or clothing, and <br />moving infected or exposed plants or plant parts <br />(Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer <br />Services). <br />Overall, 2004 was a very destructive and costly <br />hurricane season. The state was ravaged by four <br />hurricanes from mid-August to late September. Two <br />hurricanes within three weeks struck Indian River <br />County. As if that weren't damaging enough, agriculture <br />officials suggest that wind and rain generated by the <br />hurricanes helped spread the citrus canker disease to <br />the Indian River citrus -growing region. The Indian River <br />Citrus League reports that over 9,000 acres have been <br />destroyed to date (Doug Bournique, 6/05). <br />(2) Mediterranean Fruit Fly (Medfly) <br />Another threat to Indian River County's agriculture <br />industry is the medfly. It is one of the world's most <br />destructive fruit pests and attacks more than 260 <br />different fruits, vegetables, flowers and nuts. It is <br />considered the greatest pest threat to Florida's $1.5 <br />billion citrus crop, as well as endangering many other <br />economically significant crops (Florida Department of <br />Agriculture and Consumer Services). For example, a <br />medfly outbreak in 1997 cost an estimated $26 million <br />to eradicate (Florida Department of Community Affairs, <br />1998). <br />If a long-term or widespread medfly infestation were to <br />occur, Florida growers would not be permitted to ship <br />numerous fruit and vegetable crops to many foreign and <br />domestic markets. The movement of fruits and <br />Indian River County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Basic Page 21 <br />