Update on Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter Detections in Northern California

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is responding swiftly after the invasive glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) insects were found on shipments of grapevines sold at select Costco locations in Northern California between April 21 and May 19.

CDFA’s Pierce’s Disease Control Program, in coordination with the county agricultural commissioners and Costco are actively responding to the situation, as early detection and rapid response are critical to preventing the pest from spreading further.

State and local agricultural officials identified the issue quickly and immediately began response and containment efforts. County agricultural commissioners in affected areas are conducting inspections, responding to public reports, coordinating trapping efforts and helping ensure potentially infested plants are safely contained and disposed of. Costco has been working cooperatively with CDFA to notify customers, issue refunds and help connect purchasers with local county agricultural commissioner offices for inspection and disposal guidance.

GWSS spreads the bacterium that causes Pierce’s disease, a fatal grapevine disease that threatens California vineyards and can also damage citrus trees, landscape plants and other crops.

For details on affected counties, recommended actions for residents or other details, please visit CDFA’s website.