FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ministry of Agriculture Confirms Presence of Lethal Yellowing Disease in Dominica
March 10, 2026
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy of Dominica wishes to inform the public that Lethal Yellowing Disease has been officially confirmed to be present in Dominica.
Laboratory verification was completed in February 2026 by the University of Florida, following diagnostic testing coordinated through the Plant Protection and Quarantine Unit of the Division of Agriculture. The confirmation follows field investigations and the submission of plant samples from the Woodford Hill (exact area) area within the North East Agricultural Region.
Lethal Yellowing Disease is a highly destructive disease of coconut and ornamental palms transmitted by the plant hopper (Myndus Crudus) and is known to cause rapid decline and death of coconut palms within a three to six-month period. This has resulted in major economic losses in several Caribbean countries, namely Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Cuba, Bahamas, Antigua, and Guadeloupe.
Government Response and Emergency Measures
The Ministry is treating this matter with the highest level of urgency and seriousness, given the potential threat the disease poses to Dominica’s coconut industry and the livelihoods connected to it. Coconut remains a critical component of Dominica’s agricultural landscape and rural economy. As one of the country’s “5 C’s” priority crops, coconut supports a wide range of economic activities, including water nut sales, craft and cottage industries, agro-processing, and cuisine.
An Emergency Action Plan has been activated, alongside a localized eradication and management plan specifically for the Woodford Hill area, demarcating this area as non- removal or RED ZONE with the following measures to be enforced:
- Enhanced surveillance and monitoring of coconut palms within the affected and surrounding communities
- Targeted crop destruction and sanitation measures for infected and suspected coconut palms to prevent further spread of the disease
- Movement monitoring of coconut planting material and related plant products from affected zones
- Stakeholder engagement with farmers, vendors, hucksters, traders, agro-processors, and community leaders
- Public information campaigns and consultations to ensure national awareness and cooperation
The public is encouraged to:
- Report any unusual dropping of premature nuts, blackening of inflorescence, and/or loss of crown to their nearest agricultural office.
- Avoid the movement of coconut planting material from affected areas unless authorized.
- Cooperate fully with agricultural officers conducting field inspections or recommending crop removal where necessary.
The Ministry stresses that early detection and rapid response are critical to controlling and ultimately eradicating the disease from Dominica.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy of Dominica will continue to provide updates to the public as monitoring and response activities progress. Further technical guidance and community consultations will also be conducted in the coming weeks.
The Ministry is advising coconut farmers, vendors, hucksters, traders, processors, and the general public to remain vigilant and to collaborate closely with agricultural officers and thanks all stakeholders and citizens for their cooperation as the country works collectively to protect Dominica’s coconut industry and agricultural sector.
For further information, please contact:
Division of Agriculture
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy
Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica
Telephone # 266-3807/3828/3994