CSIRO Begins Stage 1 Refit of Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has marked the start of construction on Stage 1 of the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) part-life refit at a sod-turning event on Friday, 23 October.

The initial phase of the project involves constructing a new wing to house modernised diagnostic laboratories. This new space is designed to allow the ACDP to remain fully operational while existing laboratory spaces are refurbished.

Originally opened in 1985 following advocacy from Australian veterinarians beginning in the 1960s, the ACDP operates as a high-containment national reference laboratory for emergency animal diseases. CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Doug Hilton stated that the refit will update the facility after 40 years of operation, integrating modern laboratory infrastructure and technological advancements while maintaining biocontainment standards.

According to Debbie Eagles, the facility's team continues its ongoing operations during the construction, including 24/7 diagnostic support for Australia’s response to H5 bird flu. The laboratory's work involves identifying the presence of viruses, tracking their origins, and analysing how they spread to inform response planning.

In addition to current avian influenza monitoring, the ACDP has previously contributed to major biosecurity responses, including the identification of the Hendra virus in 1994, subsequent vaccine development for horses, and early vaccine testing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The facility also provides diagnostic and capacity-building support across the Asia-Pacific region.

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