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River County Agriculture Forum, 2009). There is no known chemical compound that will destroy the citrus canker bacteria. In order to eradicate the disease, infected trees must be cut down and disposed of properly. It is a highly contagious disease that can be spread rapidly by windborne rain, lawnmowers and other landscaping equipment, animals and birds, people carrying the infection on their hands or clothing, and moving infected or exposed plants or plant parts. Citrus greening, also known as huanglongbing (HLB) or yellow dragon disease is one of the most serious citrus diseases in the world. It is a bacterial disease that greatly reduces production, destroys the economic value of fruit, and can kill trees. It has significantly reduced citrus production in Asia, Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and Brazil. Once infected, there is no cure for a tree with citrus greening disease. In areas of the world where citrus greening is endemic, citrus trees decline and die within a few years. The disease specifically attacks citrus plants and presents no threat to humans or animals. P. Mediterranean Fruit Fly — Hazard Identification. Another threat to Indian River County's agriculture industry is the Medfly. It is one of the world's most destructive pests and infests more than 250 different plants that are important for U.S. food producers, homeowners, and wildlife. It is considered the greatest pest threat to Florida's $1.5 billion citrus crop, as well as endangering many other economically significant crops (Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 1998a). For example, a Medfly outbreak in 1997 cost an estimated $32 million to eradicate in Manatee, Marion, Orange, Polk, and Sarasota counties (United States Department of Agriculture, 1999). If a long-term orwidespread Medfly infestation were to occur, Florida growers would not be permitted to ship numerous fruit and vegetable crops to many foreign and domestic markets. The movement of fruits and vegetables, even within the state, would be disrupted, which could lead to higher prices in the supermarket. Costly post- harvest treatment of fruits and vegetables to meet quarantine restrictions of domestic and foreign markets would also be required. If the Medfly is not eradicated in Florida, ongoing pesticide treatments by homeowners and commercial growers will be necessary. Indian River County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Basic Page 58