Government probes swamp fever outbreak

THE Department of Agriculture and Food is investigating the source of a serum suspected of causing the country’s first ever outbreak of swamp fever in horses.

Criminal court proceedings could follow if the department’s special investigation unit (SIU), which has been ordered by Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan to conduct the probe, finds any evidence of serious wrongdoing.

Ms Coughlan, speaking with reporters at the Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show yesterday, warned the law will be rigorously applied if evidence of such wrongdoing is found by the SIU, which has a vast range of investigative powers.