article_snippet.sent: An Italian forestry official stands guard as workers begin chopping down an infected olive oil tree .
article_snippet.sent: A forestry official walks past the fenced-off remains of an olive oil tree destroyed in an attempt to stop the spread of the disease .
article_snippet.sent: A forestry worker cuts through the stump of a tree infected with the deadly xylella fastidiosa bacteria .
article_snippet.sent: Eventually, the first seven trees were cut down and are to be burned today, with more to follow.
article_snippet.sent: The initial area to be culled is 20,000 acres – about 30 sq miles – between Lecce to Brindisi.
article_snippet.sent: The initial area to be culled contains around 11million trees, according to Unaprol, the largest consortium of growers.
article_snippet.sent: Naturally it is very painful for the growers but it is necessary to remove all the affected trees, it is the most effective measure.'
highlights_snippet.sent: Yesterday officials began destroying trees affected by the deadly disease .
  