Top Canadian scientist alleges in leaked emails he was

Exclusive: Michael Coulthart’s claims emerge after New Brunswick closes its inquiry into disease affecting more than 200 people

A leading federal scientist in Canada has alleged he was barred from investigating a mystery brain illness in the province of New Brunswick and said he fears more than 200 people affected by the condition are experiencing unexplained neurological decline.

The allegations, made in leaked emails to a colleague seen by the Guardian, have emerged two years after the eastern province closed its investigation into a possible “cluster” of cases.