In wake of Winnipeg lab scandal, scientists say Canada benefits from new, high-security pathogen lab – CBC
Post-pandemic explosion of labs working with dangerous pathogens raises risks
Mar 26, 2024
Canada will soon have a second laboratory capable of working with the most dangerous pathogens in the world — home to Canada’s Centre for Pandemic Research.
It will be the only non-government Level 4 facility in the country, part of the University of Saskatchewan’s Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), which currently has a Level 3 lab.
“It’s all about being ready for the next disease, right? I think the pandemic has shown us that Canada largely depended on other countries to do the critical research, but also develop vaccines,” said Volker Gerdts, director and CEO of VIDO.
“By upgrading to the highest level, to Level 4, we’re able to in the future work with any pathogen, whether it’s a human or an animal pathogen.”
The renovations should be finished next year. The centre already includes a bio-manufacturing facility and will build housing for exotic species, including bats, which are used in research.
Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/canada-high-containment-lab-1.7154838
