Investigation Launched Into Queensland Lab Breach, With Vials of Deadly Viruses Missing

An anonymous reader shares a report: Nearly 100 live samples of the deadly Hendra virus have been lost in a biosecurity bungle at a state-run Queensland laboratory. An investigation has been launched after it was revealed 323 virus samples went missing from Virology Laboratory in 2021 in a 'major breach' of biosecurity protocol, Health Minister Tim Nicholls announced on Monday.

The material, which included samples of Hendra virus, lyssavirus and hantavirus, appears to have gone missing after a freezer storing the samples broke down. Mr Nicholls said the breach was uncovered in August 2023. The lab has been unable to say whether the materials were removed or destroyed. 'It's this part of the transfer of those materials that is causing concern,' Mr Nicholls said.

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