Concerns over the loss of 300 vials containing dangerous virus in Australia
Experts question biosecurity procedures and say there are potential risks surrounding the disappearance of 300 vials containing a deadly virus in Australia.
On December 10, Queensland Health announced that the Public Health Virology Laboratory had lost more than 300 vials containing the deadly virus. Dr Thiravat Hemachudha, a Thai neurologist, expressed concern about the issue, saying it would be a threat to public health.
The missing viruses, including Hendra virus, Lyssavirus and Hantavirus, are classified as BSL-4 pathogens, requiring the highest level of biosecurity. In an analysis on his personal page, Dr Thiravat highlighted the potential risks associated with the loss of highly infectious pathogens. He was concerned that the virus could fall into the wrong hands or be used for negative purposes, causing harm to the people.
The incident has also sparked discussion within the scientific community. Anan Jongkaewwattana, a molecular virologist, has questioned the security procedures at the Queensland Public Health Virology Laboratory.
Both experts have called for a thorough investigation into the matter and for the government to take immediate action to prevent potential harm. They have also stressed the need for management of laboratories or biological facilities to be more vigilant in handling and storing dangerous pathogens, especially in the context of recent global health crises.
The vials were first reported missing in August 2023. Health and Emergency Services Minister Tim Nicholls said the investigation was vital to ensure similar serious breaches did not occur. He also said the public had a right to know about the incident.
“With such a serious breach of biosecurity protocols, Queensland Health must thoroughly investigate and stop this situation. The department has taken the necessary steps since being notified,” he said.
During the investigation, officials will ensure that no detail is overlooked in the incident handling process, and examine the policies in place at the laboratory. Investigators will also look at staff compliance.
Queensland Health has taken proactive steps since the breach was discovered, including retraining staff to ensure compliance with current regulations, checking all relevant permits to ensure accountability and storing materials correctly.
Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard confirmed there was no risk to the public due to the nature of the incident.
"It is difficult to imagine a scenario where the community would be at risk. It is important to note that the virus samples degrade very quickly outside the freezer and are no longer infectious. It is likely that the samples were autoclaved in accordance with normal laboratory procedures and were not properly documented," Mr Gerrard said.
Dr Gerrard said it was likely that the samples were disposed of correctly and that the procedures were not properly documented. He added that it was unlikely that the virus samples were disposed of with laboratory waste. There have also been no cases of Hendra, Lyssavirus and Hantavirus in Queensland in the past five years.
There is also no evidence that the viruses were deliberately stolen for malicious use. The viruses are dangerous, but have low infection rates, so they cannot be used as bioweapons without genetic modification.
"The process of weaponising viruses is complex and not something an amateur can do," Mr Gerrard said.
Queensland Health has commissioned an independent investigation into the missing virus samples to ensure this does not happen again. The investigation will be led by retired Supreme Court Justice Martin Daubney AM KC. Biosecurity expert Julian Druce will be co-investigating.
