Overview
- Shipments of grapevines and other plants sold at multiple Northern California Costco stores between April 21 and May 21 were traced to Burchell Nursery in Fresno County and have tested positive for the glassy‑winged sharpshooter.
- Agricultural inspectors in many counties have pulled and destroyed intercepted shipments while hundreds of purchased grapevines remain unaccounted for in the community.
- County agriculture offices, the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the Pierce’s Disease Control Program are deploying traps, conducting inspections, and using retailer records to contact buyers for refunds or on‑site removals.
- Officials advise anyone who bought the affected plants to double‑bag and seal grapevines, not plant or discard them in regular trash or compost, and to contact their county agricultural commissioner for inspection and safe disposal.
- The sharpshooter spreads Xylella fastidiosa, the bacterium that causes Pierce’s disease which has no cure and has historically inflicted millions in losses and destroyed vineyard acreage, so authorities are acting to prevent establishment and protect regional farms and gardens.