Gardaí join probe into deaths of 400 calves

It is understood the calves were found in a decomposed state. They appear to have succumbed to suspected disease and malnutrition

It is understood the calves succumbed to suspected disease and malnutrition.

As Gardaí liaise with the Department of Agriculture in a probe into the deaths of a large number of bull calves in Co Limerick, farming sources have said investigators will have to consider whether a “virus” may have been partly or wholly responsible for the deaths.

A large amount of carcasses of dead bull calves were removed from farmland in the Garryspillane area, south east county Limerick, on September 6. The Department of Agriculture has declined to comment on the total number involved with reports ranging from 100-400.