London, Jan. 17 - The production of one of Italy's best known exports, mozzarella, is under threat from an infection spreading through herds of water buffalo, the BBC reports on its Web site Thursday.
The Italian government has set up an emergency commission to try and stop the spread of the disease, which affects milk production.
The plains of Campania, around Naples, are home to large buffalo herds. As much as 30% of the herd who live in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius are reported to be infected, the BBC says.
In the next two months, the Italian government will start the slaughter of 32,000 buffalo, infected with Brucellosis - a contagious bacterial disease that in livestock leads to abortion, infertility and reduced milk production.