Will new biosecurity protocols be implemented at the Brisbane lab by March 31, 2025?
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No • 50%
Official announcement from Queensland Health or the Brisbane lab
Australia Investigates Major Biosecurity Breach After 323 Deadly Virus Samples Go Missing from Brisbane Lab
Dec 10, 2024, 08:37 PM
An independent investigation has been launched after 323 vials containing live viruses went missing from the Virology Laboratory in Brisbane, Australia. The missing samples include Hendra virus, Lyssavirus, and Hantavirus, with nearly 100 live samples of the deadly Hendra virus unaccounted for. Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls announced the major breach of biosecurity protocols, emphasizing that "there is nothing to suggest that these have been taken from the laboratory." The vials are believed to have gone missing in 2021, but the loss was only discovered in 2023 during a routine audit. Authorities are investigating the breach to determine how it occurred and to prevent future incidents.
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Yes • 50%
No • 50%
Yes • 50%
No • 50%
Increased funding for lab security • 25%
Other • 25%
No significant action • 25%
New regulations • 25%
Yes • 50%
No • 50%
Low concern • 25%
No concern • 25%
High concern • 25%
Moderate concern • 25%
Security breach • 25%
Procedural lapse • 25%
Other • 25%
Human error identified • 25%
Yes • 50%
No • 50%
Yes • 50%
No • 50%
Minimal reaction • 25%
Support for lab • 25%
Public outcry • 25%
General concern • 25%
No changes • 25%
Director replaced • 25%
Other changes • 25%
Management restructuring • 25%