The xylella fastidiosa bacteria has ravaged olive trees in Puglia ##via . Its spread has so alarmed the EU that France has boycotted the disease . Yesterday officials began destroying trees affected by the deadly disease . protesters intervened in an attempt to stop the government - ordered destruction . The spread of the bacteria is believed to cause olive oil poisoning to rocket .
The xylella fastidiosa bacteria has ravaged olive trees in Puglia region . Its spread has so alarmed the EU that France has boycotted the fruit . Yesterday officials began destroying trees affected by the deadly disease . Protesters failed in an attempt to stop the government-ordered destruction . The spread of the bacteria is expected to cause olive oil prices to rocket .