For many, going to the office means a simple commute. For Jennifer Barr and her colleagues, it involves a complex routine of biosecurity. Scientists like Barr navigate multiple layers of containment at the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) in Geelong. The design of this process shields the public from some of the world’s most dangerous pathogens. Furthermore, operated by the CSIRO, this highly secured facility is a global leader in research on animal and zoonotic diseases, serving as a vital defense for Australia’s livestock, wildlife, and human populations.
The security measures start as soon as staff arrive. Ms. Barr’s morning routine includes passing through several security checkpoints, changing clothes, and going through two steel airlocked doors. Once inside, she puts on clean medical scrubs. If her work requires her to enter a high-containment laboratory, she wears a fully encapsulated suit with its own air supply, similar to an astronaut’s. It should be mentioned that the entire process, from entering the facility to working in the lab, is carefully orchestrated, requiring multiple showers and hair washes to ensure complete decontamination. The laboratories maintain a lower air pressure than the surrounding areas. Also, this negative-pressure system ensures air flows inward, preventing any infectious agents from escaping. The sophisticated engineering, inspired by NASA facilities, highlights the center’s commitment to safety.
The building consists of five floors, dedicated to infrastructure. The central third floor contains the laboratories, while the two floors above and the two floors below support its operations. The top two engineering floors hold all the equipment for filtering incoming and outgoing air. The lower floors manage all liquid and solid waste. Dr. Eagles mentioned that every containment barrier is duplicated or even triplicated as a backup in case of technology or power failures. Within the secure zone, facilities include an insectary for studying insect-borne diseases and a large animal facility that can house infected livestock, from chickens and prawns to cattle and horses. A 24-hour laundry service and a kitchen on the third floor allow scientists to stay within the secure zone throughout the day, reducing any risk of cross-contamination. A key example is their work on a vaccine for the Hendra virus, which protects both horses and their owners.
The ACDP is also leading efforts to prepare for future pandemics. With around 75 percent of new infectious diseases in humans coming from animals, the center is increasingly focused on diseases that affect both animals and humans. Scientists are monitoring diseases in wildlife to anticipate potential threats, referred to as “Disease X.” Research scientist Lynn Nazareth is studying how viral infections, like avian flu, begin and spread through the nasal cavity. Her research involves growing human nose tissue in a lab, which helps assess the risk of viruses that typically do not infect humans. This proactive approach assists in developing strategies to prevent outbreaks before they occur. At the end of a long day, leaving the secure area mirrors the morning entry process. Scientists undergo a series of chemical and personal showers before changing back into their regular clothes and heading home, showcasing their strong commitment to biosecurity.
