CSIRO Animal Health is a national centre of excellence in disease diagnosis, research and policy advice in animal health. It is one of twenty-three divisions of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).

The Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) is the major facility of CSIRO Animal Health. Opened in 1985 at a cost of over A$150 million, AAHL is one of the most sophisticated laboratories in the world for the safe handling and containment of animal diseases.

Focus

CSIRO Animal Health plays a vital role in maintaining Australia's capability to quickly diagnose exotic (foreign) and emerging animal diseases.

This is achieved through ongoing research programs to develop the most sensitive, accurate and timely diagnostic tests, which are critical to the success of any eradication campaign in the event of a disease outbreak.

CSIRO Animal Health also undertakes research to develop new diagnostic tests, vaccines and therapeutics for endemic animal diseases of national importance. Major diseases of livestock, aquaculture animals, and wildlife, are studied.

The division has a high level of expertise in:

• Disease diagnosis and the development of diagnostic tests
• Development of vaccines and therapeutics
• Veterinary skills, including epidemiology
• Virology
• Immunology
• Molecular biology
• Histology
• Electron microscopy
• Serology
• Pathology
• Protein biochemistry
• Bacteriology and organic chemistry, particularly in relation to natural toxins
• High level biocontainment, handling of zoonotic diseases

Quality assured

• AAHL has ISO9002 status
• ISO/IEC Guide25

Contact

Chief, Dr Mike Rickard

CSIRO Animal Health
Australian Animal Health Laboratory
5 Portarlington Road
Private Bag 24
Geelong, 3220
Australia

Tel: +61 3 5227 5000
Fax: +61 3 5227 5555
Email: aahl@dah.csiro.au
Website: www.ah.csiro.au