The glassy-winged sharpshooter, a pest that spreads Pierce's disease, was found on grapevines sold at Costco stores in California, including Ukiah. Inspectors destroyed remaining stock on May 19, but many plants had already been sold.
The state cannot directly contact buyers due to Costco's privacy policy, relying on voluntary customer reports. Growers urge legal action to obtain customer records.
The pest threatens vineyards in Mendocino and Lake counties, where Pierce's disease is incurable and kills vines within five years. - Infested plants sold at Ukiah Costco since late April; some may have spread to Lake County.
- Costco refuses to release customer information, citing member privacy. - CDFA considers subpoena or attorney general involvement to obtain records.
- Extra traps have caught no new sharpshooters so far, but trace-forward is ongoing. Growers and officials warn that if the pest establishes in the wild, eradication will be nearly impossible.
Customers who bought grapevines since April 21 are urged to contact their county agricultural commissioner.