Commissioner Sid Miller visits Houston to lend a hand in fight against dangerous citrus disease

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Commissioner Sid Miller visits Houston to lend a hand in fight against dangerous citrus disease (8/29/2019)

MEDIA ADVISORY

For Immediate Release:
August 29, 2019

TEXAS AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER SID MILLER VISITS HOUSTON TO LEND A HAND IN FIGHT AGAINST DANGEROUS CITRUS DISEASE

AUSTIN — Friday, Commissioner Miller will visit the Houston area Friday to join agency inspectors in destroying a citrus tree infected with the contagious citrus canker disease. Beginning at 9 a.m. CT. Commissioner Miller will address the devastating damage the contagious plant disease can cause to the vital Texas citrus industry and the importance of stopping the invasive disease immediately. After comments, Commissioner Miller and TDA inspectors will begin the removal and destruction process of an infected tree at a residential home.

Citrus canker affects the marketability of citrus. Blister-like lesions on leaves and fruit start small and expand as the disease progresses. There is no cure for the bacterium, so prevention is key in managing the spread of the disease. With Texas citrus fruit production valued at $100 million and ranking third in the nation, the spread of uncontrolled citrus canker would be an economic disaster, both for the citrus industry and Texas agriculture.

As an example, from 1995 to 2006 Florida declared war on citrus canker, spending 1.3 billion dollars in state and federal money and destroying 16.5 million trees. In the end, the eradication effort failed. Citrus canker is still present in Florida.

NOTE: Media event will occur on private property so advanced media clearance is required.
For permission to attend, please contact TDA Office of Communications.

WHEN:	Friday, Aug. 30, @ 9 a.m. CT
WHERE:	PRIVATE RESIDENCE 14830 Armitage Lane Sugarland, Texas, 77498
WHO:	Commissioner Sid Miller Texas Agriculture Commissioner TDA Inspectors
WHAT:	Citrus canker tree destruction at private residence
WHY:	Commissioner Miller will address the importance of preventing and managing citrus canker in Texas, a potentially devastating agricultural disease that could cost Texas millions.

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