Global Security Newswire

Australia on Monday commenced operations at a $58.3 million pathogen research facility equipped with space to handle anthrax and other potential biological-weapon agents, the Sydney Morning Herald reported (see GSN, Nov. 22, 2011).

The technologically sophisticated disease containment area at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute near Sydney would aid in protecting Australia's economy from plant and animal disease threats for years to come, Primary Industries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson said.

''The institute will have the only diagnostic and research facilities of its type dedicated specifically to primary industries in Australia,'' according to the official (Deborah Smith, Sydney Morning Herald, July 16).