The Biosecurity Sciences Laboratory (BSL) at Coopers Plains, Brisbane, is part of Biosecurity Queensland's laboratory network.

BSL provides testing for all the disciplines of a veterinary diagnostic laboratory including:

• necropsy
• histopathology
• bacteriology
• clinical biochemistry and toxicology
• electron microscopy
• parasitology
• serology
• virology.

The laboratory focuses on animal health problems likely to be encountered in South East Queensland, especially in the poultry and aquaculture industries.

Main areas of work

• Surveillance and diagnosis of diseases in the livestock industries of south-eastern Queensland especially in the poultry and aquaculture industries
• Diseases of aquatic animals farmed in the subtropics such as fin fish, prawns, oysters, crabs, scallops and sea cucumber
• Queensland-wide role in the identification and investigation of new and emerging diseases
• Research projects developing new molecular diagnostic methods for a range of uses, especially relating to exotic disease preparedness
• Specialist veterinary pathologist/toxicologist expertise in plants toxic to animals including a natural toxicants database
• Molecular genetics research and diagnostic testing to management and eradication of invasive plants and animals

Examples of research projects conducted by BSL include:

• a group investigating viruses transmitted by bats, that can infect livestock species and that may have zoonotic potential. Viruses being investigated are: Hendra virus (HeV), Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV) and SARS-like corona viruses. Much of this work is conducted and funded in part by collaboration with international research organisations
• investigations of the potential for known plant toxins to produce troublesome residues in carcase tissues.

In addition the laboratory has a statewide role in:

• the identification and investigation of new and emerging diseases
• the development of new diagnostic tests
• testing of the cattle tick for resistance to acaricides (chemicals) used for its control
• testing for pathogens of the apiary industry, including surveillance to detect possible incursions by exotic mites especially Varroa spp
• clinical chemistry and toxicology testing
• research and extension in plant poisonings of livestock.

Contact Details

Biosecurity Sciences Laboratory (BSL)
Health and Food Sciences Precinct
Specimen receipt (Loading Block 12)
39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains Qld 4108
Phone: 07 3276 6062 (submission enquiries)
Fax: 07 3216 6620

Resources

• Sample submission guidelines
  Diagnoses and laboratory results are only as good as the samples submitted. Maintaining sample integrity is vital in order for accurate diagnosis.

• Acceptance of specimens
  Please note that samples from any animal will be accepted regardless of background if a disease incident is deemed to present an unacceptable risk to the health of either the community or commercial livestock.