But just studying these diseases can pose a risk. These high-tech facilities that protect both animals and people. In essence, the BL3-ag designation means that air as well as all liquid and solid waste leaving the laboratory are treated to ensure that none of the disease agents or vectors being studied leave the laboratory. Exhaust air is filtered, waste is treated to inactivate infectious agents, equipment is decontaminated, and personnel follow strict safety and hygienic procedures. Airflow inside the buildings is controlled to maintain an inward flow, preventing accidental escape of potentially infectious agents.
Plum Island has the added isolation provided by the island location.
In all cases, the goal is to provide scientists with the ability to study diseases without jeopardizing the safety of agriculture in surrounding areas. Several other ARS laboratories maintain facilities with lower biocontainment level designations because they work with endemic diseases of lower risk to domestic animal agriculture NADC and Plum Island share facilities with the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service . Over the years, these facilities have allowed ARS researchers to study dangerous diseases in intimate detail, providing tools and knowledge that keep U.S. livestock safe. Provided key tests validating the vaccines used as part of the brucellosis eradication program. Identified a drug that prevents FMD virus replication and developed tests that detect the different virus serotypes.