Queensland authorities are investigating a significant biosecurity breach after hundreds of virus samples went missing from a public health laboratory. In August 2023, 323 vials containing dangerous viruses, including Hendra virus, Lyssavirus, and Hantavirus, were reported missing from the Queensland Public Health Virology Laboratory.
The missing samples, some of which can cause severe illness or death, have raised concerns. However, the Queensland government reassured the public that there is currently no evidence of a public health risk. Investigations are underway to determine if the samples were stolen, destroyed, or lost.
Experts have criticized the breach, with Sam Scarpino from Northeastern University calling it a “critical biosecurity lapse,” due to the high-risk nature of the pathogens involved. Despite this, Queensland's Chief Health Officer, Dr. John Gerrard, noted that the viruses would degrade outside of proper storage conditions, reducing any potential risk.
The Queensland Health investigation will focus on the incident's causes and work to prevent future lapses in biosecurity.
