Public Health Virology Laboratory: Part 9 investigation launched as infectious samples remain missing

Authorities have launched an urgent investigation after infectious virus samples went missing from a high-tech, government-run Australian laboratory in what has been labelled a “serious breach of biosecurity”.

The Queensland Government has now launched a Part 9 investigation after multiple samples went missing and were not able to be tracked down.

The specialist laboratory provides vital professional services for surveillance and research of infectious viruses from mosquitoes and ticks.

Hendra virus, Lyssavirus and Hantavirus samples all went missing from Queensland’s Public Health Virology Laboratory in August 2021.

Hendra virus infects both humans and horses and is passed on by fruit bats. It is rare, found mainly in Australia and can be fatal.

Lyssavirus can infect humans and other mammals. It is transmitted via a bite from an infected (rabid) animal.

Hantavirus can come from contact with rodents like rats and mice, especially when exposed to their urine, droppings, and saliva, according the the CDC.

Three years on, authorities, the lab and the Government are unable to confirm what happened.

The investigation was announced by Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls on Monday.

He confirmed former Supreme Court Justice Martin Daubney KC would come out of retirement to lead the investigation alongside Julian Druce, formerly the head of Virus Identification Lab in Victoria.

“With such a serious breach of biosecurity protocols and infectious virus samples potentially missing, Queensland Health must investigate what occurred and how to prevent it from happening again,” Mr Nicholls said.

“The Part 9 investigation will ensure nothing has been overlooked in responding to this incident and examine the current policies and procedures in operation today at the laboratory.

“This investigation will also consider regulatory compliance and staff conduct.”

Officials have tried to reassure the public, telling them there is no risk to public following the “serious breach of biosecurity”.

“It’s important to note that virus samples would degrade very rapidly outside a low temperature freezer and become non-infectious,” Chief Health Officer John Gerrard said.