Date: May 1, 2024
Subject: Temporary Local State of Emergency Proclaimed for Madera County
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
On May 1, 2024, the Madera County Director of Emergency Services Tyson J. Pogue proclaimed a local emergency for Madera County due to the anticipated significant impacts of the Beet Curly Top Virus.
A reported increase in populations of the beet leafhopper (BLH) in the wildland and agricultural areas of Madera County has precipitated a concern for the spread of Beet Curly Top Virus, a disease known to cause serious crop damage.
This impending crisis has the potential to severely impair public health and safety, which necessitates a proclamation of a local emergency in order to maintain our standard level of public protection to the county.
Sheriff Pogue reflects, “We will continue to closely monitor this evolving situation. The conditions amidst ongoing infestation activity require a high level of immediate attention. We ask residents, and our agricultural community in particular, to be vigilant as these circumstances progress.”
Sincerely,
Tyson J. Pogue, Sheriff-Coroner
MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Kayla Gates, Public Information Officer
(559) 474-3634
kayla.gates@maderacounty.com
