Queensland Lab Loses 323 Deadly Virus Samples Including Hendra, Lyssavirus, and Hantavirus

Dec 10, 2024, 06:52 PM

An independent investigation has been launched into the disappearance of 323 samples of live viruses, including Hendra virus, Lyssavirus, and Hantavirus, from a state-run Queensland laboratory in Brisbane, Australia. The vials went missing in 2021, but their absence was not discovered until 2023, marking a significant biosecurity breach. Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls announced the incident, emphasizing the severity of the breach. Authorities have stated that there is no evidence to suggest the samples were taken from the lab.