Thousands of animals, mainly buffaloes, have been culled in Italy's province of Caserta as part of an anti-brucellosis plan, despite opposition from farmers who argue the measures are excessive. The disease has affected over 11% of buffalo heads, leading two breeders to start a hunger strike and sparking protests against the regional plan, which focuses on killing buffaloes rather than implementing vaccination or prevention strategies. This controversy has attracted attention at the European and Italian Parliament parliaments, with questions being raised about the effectiveness and necessity of the culls, and the potential impact on the region's economic heritage and artisan products.