Lab to study and fight bio-terrorism and infectious disease dedicated

Columbia, Mo.

-- A new Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (RBL) was dedicated earlier this month at the University of Missouri campus giving researchers the necessary tools to study emerging infectious diseases such as West Nile virus and tularemia, pathogens commonly found in Missouri.

The facility was created after MU scientists received a $13.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health. One of 13 facilities in the country, the lab is designed to assist in national, state and local public-health efforts in the event of a bio-terrorist or infectious disease emergency.

MU researchers will help develop drugs, treatments and vaccines to combat microorganisms that pose a threat to public health. The facility will allow scientists to diagnose and detect emerging infectious pathogens that might be used in bio-terrorism, as well as to provide training for graduate and postdoctoral students and laboratory animal medicine veterinarians.

"This state-of-the-art laboratory will enable MU scientists and students to remain at the forefront of pathogen study and will attract world-class researchers to our university," said George Stewart, professor and chair of the MU Department of Veterinary Pathology.