Nurses and trade union members in a busy Italian emergency department have been accused of releasing an infestation of cockroaches in a bid to be transferred elsewhere or discredit officials.

Local media have been following the suspected sabotage since a video emerged on social media of an infestation in a bathroom of the Vecchio Pellegrini Hospital in Naples last week.

An investigation into the outbreak was opened after experts identified the cockroaches were not typical of pest infestations but were readily available in pet shops as food for exotic reptiles.

Local Green party councillor Francesco Emilio Borrelli reportedly told local radio that the cockroaches were native to Madagascar, and this had raised suspicions with the hospital’s director, Maria Corvino.

“For this reason an investigation was opened,” he told Radio Cusano Campus. “It’s very serious: nurses and trade unionists appear to have sabotaged the Pellegrini to get a transfer from the hospital.”

London Zoo releases x-ray photos of animals Show all 5 1 /5 London Zoo releases x-ray photos of animals London Zoo releases x-ray photos of animals PB the tokay gecko 18,000 animals have been x-rayed as part of routine health checks at London Zoo in Regent's Park PA London Zoo releases x-ray photos of animals Nasi the big-headed turtle 18,000 animals have been x-rayed as part of routine health checks at London Zoo in Regent's Park PA London Zoo releases x-ray photos of animals Cornelius the corn snake 18,000 animals have been x-rayed as part of routine health checks at London Zoo in Regent's Park PA London Zoo releases x-ray photos of animals Marion the large hairy armadillo 18,000 animals have been x-rayed as part of routine health checks at London Zoo in Regent's Park PA London Zoo releases x-ray photos of animals Jill the Gila Monster 18,000 animals have been x-rayed as part of routine health checks at London Zoo in Regent's Park PA

Napoli Today reported that the initial video shared on social media was taken by a Dr Marina Romano, who reportedly said the incident left her speechless.

Italian news agency Ansa reported the outbreak comes a month after another hospital in the region, San Giovanni Bosco Hospital, made headlines after ants were filmed crawling on patients.

It also reported Mr Borrelli saying the issue has been reported to the NAS hygiene police agency who had said the outbreak appeared to be “sabotage”.