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.