In Australia, 323 bottles with dangerous viruses, including Hendra and Huntavirus virus, became known in Australia. It is unknown whether these infectious samples were stolen or destroyed.
The Government of Australia has entrusted the Queensland Health Department of Public Health, an investigation into an incident, which was characterized as a "great historical violation of biosafety protocols".
"The situation requires immediate action," the representatives of the Queensland authorities emphasized. At the same time, they noted that the risk of infection is low.
Dr. Sam Skarpino, director of the artificial intelligence department and life at the Northeast University in Boston, confirmed that several viruses whose samples have disappeared. However, he added that most of them are not transmitted from person to person, so the likelihood of an epidemic remains low.
According to Fox News, the laboratory where the samples disappeared, provides "diagnostic services, observations and examination of viruses and pathogens, which are transported by mosquitoes and ticks and are of medical importance."
