Mastitis in Mediterranean Buffaloes

In Europe, there are approximately 440’000 Mediterranean Buffaloes (MB) (Bubalusbubalis) and Italy is the most important country where the seruminants are bred (370’000 animals). The reason for the increasing interest in buffalo breeding over recent years is the popularity of buffalo Mozzarella cheese (Protected Designation of Origin-P.D.O.) and almost lack of competition in EU-area for its type of cheese. Mediterranean buffaloes are typically reared in central and southern Italy, and 80% of Italian buffalo milk production originates from Campania region. Mediterranean buffalo’s milk production is ranked 4th in the Italian agricultural economy concerning sales volume in the entire country (more than €320 million and more of 15’000 workforces). In Europe few animals are bred in Switzerland, Romania and Turkey but the milk production is essentially destined to their export or for local cheese production [1].