ACDP also engages in animal testing for viruses like bird flu and has contributed to COVID-19 research using ferrets, helping to understand virus transmission and develop control measures.

The article highlights the growing threat of zoonotic viruses driven by climate change, urbanization, and global movement, which facilitate the transmission of viruses from animals to humans.

Research at ACDP has led to the development of vaccines, such as one for Hendra virus that protects both horses and humans, emphasizing its importance in zoonotic disease prevention.

ACDP is equipped with multiple containment layers, including concrete walls and negative pressure laboratories, to prevent the escape of infectious agents and ensure safety during research.

Overall, the article underscores the critical importance of high-security labs in pandemic prevention, the challenges faced by scientists, and the ongoing threat of emerging infectious diseases in a changing world.

The Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) near Geelong is Australia's most secure biosafety level 4 laboratory, designed to handle the world's deadliest viruses like Ebola and Hendra with strict safety protocols, including multiple security checkpoints, airlocks, and protective suits.

Scientists at ACDP wear protective bubble suits and undergo rigorous training to manage risks associated with highly transmissible viruses such as Hendra, dengue, Ebola, and emerging zoonotic threats like Salt Gully Virus and Japanese Encephalitis.

The facility plays a vital role in preventing pandemics by conducting research on dangerous viruses, including virus isolation, monitoring mutations, and testing vaccines, exemplified by their work on COVID-19 and other zoonoses.

Research at ACDP includes virus isolation, monitoring mutations, and testing vaccines, contributing significantly to global health responses against zoonotic diseases.

Researchers study how viral infections begin and spread through the nasal cavity to assess risks of viruses like bird flu infecting humans and to develop outbreak strategies.

The center also studies mosquito-borne viruses, understanding their spread in warming climates and testing interventions, which is crucial given the rise of diseases like dengue and chikungunya.

In 2024, the center played a key role in identifying and understanding different strains of avian influenza circulating in Australia, aiding in outbreak response and control.

The facility also conducts pre-clinical vaccine testing, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic with the AstraZeneca vaccine, and studies virus spread and immune responses to prepare for future pandemics.