The Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) is the major facility of CSIRO Animal Health. Opened in 1985 at a cost of over A$150 million, AAHL is one of the most sophisticated laboratories in the world for the safe handling and containment of animal diseases.
Focus
CSIRO Animal Health plays a vital role in maintaining Australia's capability to quickly diagnose exotic (foreign) and emerging animal diseases.
This is achieved through ongoing research programs to develop the most sensitive, accurate and timely diagnostic tests, which are critical to the success of any eradication campaign in the event of a disease outbreak.
CSIRO Animal Health also undertakes research to develop new diagnostic tests, vaccines and therapeutics for endemic animal diseases of national importance. Major diseases of livestock, aquaculture animals, and wildlife, are studied.
"Dr Wang says CSIRO's Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) is now the only institute in the world holding a collection of all major newly discovered paramyxoviruses."