cholla cactus disease

I have a cholla cactus in my backyard.It is still very young little . Today I discovered that it is covered with little white bubbles somewhat sticky. I would like to know how to treat it or if this is normal for cholla. Marti

 

You may have cochineal: http://wc.pima.edu/~bfiero/tucsonecology/animals/arth_cobu.htm
Here's a site with some control reccomendations: http://ag.arizona.edu/gardening/news/azdailystar/fuzz_prickly_pear.html

 

Thank you this was very helpful, Marti