A potentially devastating citrus pest has been found in Los Angeles, farther north in the state than ever before.

California Department of Food and Agriculture officials said Wednesday, Aug. 26, an Asian citrus psyllid was trapped in the Echo Park neighborhood of Los Angeles.

The psyllid can carry an incurable plant disease that could threaten California's $1.6 billion citrus industry.

Earlier in the week, officials confirmed five adult psyllids were found on a backyard lemon tree in Santa Ana.

The psyllids were discovered in a trap on Aug. 18. They are undergoing tests to see if they are carriers of the citrus disease Huanglongbing.

The L.A. Basin discoveries come just weeks after confirmation that six citrus trees in the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico tested positive for the disease also known as citrus greening.

-- Cecilia Parsons and Associated Press