Four major scientific research agencies – namely: AgResearch, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), AsureQuality, and Environmental Science and Research (ESR) – collaborated to plan the construction of a state-of-the-art animal research laboratory and high-security biocontainment facility worth $65 million in Upper Hutt City, New Zealand.

The world-class animal laboratory was exclusively designed to manage large-scale animal disease emergencies and prevent outbreak of exotic diseases when the need arise. Major diseases like avian influenza, foot and mouth disease, brucella, and anthrax, among others that could thwart national trade at any time were the specific outbreak threats the agencies aimed to be on the cutting-edge in animal research laboratory testing.

“Primary industries form the backbone of New Zealand's economy, with more than $20 billion of exports coming from animal products. We need to keep ahead of all of these exotic diseases." Nathan Guy, the Minister for Primary Industries, explained. Guy also underscored that the development is part of their national initiative towards biosecurity as top priority that “a world-standard diagnostic laboratory such as this is a necessity, not a luxury."

New Zealand annually exports about $20 billion worth of animal products – mainly dairy and meat products – in which animal disease outbreaks could pose a major national threat. Hence, it’s critical to protect the national economy by proving to international trading partners that New Zealand is free from these diseases.

The government, including MPI director of investigation, diagnostic centres and response Veronica Herrera, is optimistic about this new three-storey biocontainment facility addition to the National Centre for Biosecurity and Infectious Disease in Wallaceville. The facility’s design was made to last for the next three decades and would be equipped to meet current international standards for animal research diagnostics.

This groundbreaking development is slated to start construction on March 2015 and expected to open its doors on early 2018.

Animal vivarium facility development and laboratory equipment upgrades such as this construction in Wallaceville are imperative to prevent animal disease outbreaks that could threaten the lives of many. Agencies like the National Centre for Biosecurity and Infectious Disease stay on the leading edge of animal research through using only top-of-the-line animal research laboratory equipment and complementary tools to deliver accurate and reproducible results.

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