There is a worldwide shortage for example of specialists with an expertise in virology. The centre is also a patent depository for DNA material and new genetic technologies under the auspices of the World Intellectual Property Organization, and it will store Level 3 zoonotic viruses such as Hantavirus and Level 4 hemorrhagic fever viruses such as Ebola, Marburg and Lassa fever. We are also seeing cases of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis in the United States and, most recently, Japan. There haven't been any cases linked to these highly-resistant strains yet reported in Canada. Nationally, the centre characterizes each year's prevailing flu strain to ensure the vaccine being used is effective.
Staff also test new medical technology and diagnostic techniques to ensure they perform as promised.
While Dr. Johnson said the centre's goal is to run a safe operation, she noted it is vitally important to convince the surrounding community that the facility poses no threat to their health and safety. That effort suffered a setback in mid-July when it was revealed in the press that 2,000 litres of waste water were accidentally released from a centre holding tank into Winnipeg's sewer system before the water was put through the lab's sterilization process. We determined that the risk was very low and we reported the release to the province. In response to the accident and public outcry, the centre has changed its protocols and enhanced its safety training. As well, two experts from the U.S. will assess the situation and perhaps make additional recommendations.