Virus samples go missing for two years before discovery in Queensland lab

In Australia, authorities in Queensland have initiated an urgent investigation concerning the disappearance of 323 virus samples from a government-operated high-tech virology laboratory. The breach of biosecurity protocols was categorized as serious and occurred in 2021 but was only discovered in August 2023. Among the missing samples are 100 of the deadly Hendra virus, known to be transmitted from fruit bats to humans, as well as 223 samples of lyssavirus, which poses similar risks to rabies due to transmission through infected animal bites. Additionally, two hantavirus samples, which have never been documented in humans in Australia, were also lost. The Queensland Health Minister, Tim Nicholls, reported that the incident was uncovered as part of an extensive review of biosecurity measures and practices at the laboratory. Concerns arose when materials were transferred to a functioning freezer without completing the necessary paperwork, raising questions regarding whether the samples were removed, destroyed, or otherwise unaccounted for. While it has been confirmed that the samples were neither stolen nor removed from the laboratory, the uncertainty surrounding their fate has prompted a thorough examination of laboratory protocols. Former Supreme Court Justice Martin Daubney KC has been appointed to lead the investigation, supported by Julian Druce, the former head of the Virus Identification Lab in Victoria. The investigation aims to address not only the circumstances leading to the breach but also to evaluate the laboratory's current policies and procedures. The review will scrutinize regulatory compliance and the conduct of the staff involved. Findings and recommendations for improvement will be presented to the state health department by June 30 of the following year. In light of this incident, authorities have noted that there have been no reported cases of Hendra or lyssavirus infections among humans in Queensland over the previous five years, and there have been no recorded hantavirus infections in Australia. Nonetheless, the potential ramifications of such a security breach, especially with samples of deadly viruses missing, have raised serious concerns about public health and safety. Guaranteeing biosecurity and preventing similar incidents in the future have become top priorities for Queensland Health.