Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health Celebrates 20 Years of Scientific Excellence

Public is welcome to visit facility and meet scientists as part of the celebration

WINNIPEG, May 2, 2019 /CNW/ - Home to the Public Health Agency of Canada's National Microbiology Laboratory and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, the Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health is celebrating 20 years as a global leader in infectious disease laboratory science and innovation.

The Centre is the first facility in the world to have both human and animal Containment Level 4 labs under one roof, allowing for ground-breaking discoveries that benefit Canadians' health and our economy.

To commemorate its 20th anniversary on May 4, 2019, the Centre is inviting the public to meet its scientists. There will be interactive displays and talks from scientists on their work. This will be a great opportunity to celebrate the anniversary and give the local community a chance to visit the innovative facility.

The Centre is proud to have been part of Winnipeg for the past 20 years and will continue to engage with the community to help enhance understanding of the Centre's health and scientific expertise. The Centre has always prioritized its relationship with the community by emphasizing open engagement and transparency.

Details
Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health
1015 Arlington Street
Winnipeg, MB
10:00 am – 4:00 pm CDT
Free entry and free parking
Photo identification required for visitors over 16 years old (visitors under 16 must be accompanied by an adult)
Closed-toe shoes recommended
No large bags allowed
No photography allowed

Quotes
"The Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health is a global leader in infectious disease research. Our government supports and encourages scientific innovation, and we commend this world‑renowned facility for its scientific efforts to improve human and animal health over the past 20 years and look forward to its continuing contributions to the field of infectious diseases."
The Hon. Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Health

"Thank you to the Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health for its 20 years of invaluable contributions to improving the health of Canadians and making us proud on the world stage. It has tackled outbreaks from Zika to Ebola, and as Canada's only Level 4 lab, it is integral to protecting Canadians from infectious diseases."
Dr. Theresa Tam
Chief Public Health Officer

"The Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health is internationally recognized for its achievements in research and commitment to excellence. For 20 years, dedicated scientists from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Public Health Agency of Canada have been working together, sharing facilities, knowledge and a common goal: finding innovative solutions for improving human and animal health at home and around the world."
Dr. Siddika Mithani
President, Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Quick Facts

• As the country's only Level 4 laboratories, the Canadian Sci ence Centre for Human and Animal Health provides the capability to work safely with the most serious and deadly human and animal diseases, and ensures that Canada has the capability to diagnose any infectious disease that may surface in the country.
• Scientists at the National Microbiology Laboratory have significantly advanced scientific knowledge, improved diagnostics, and strengthened the development of treatments for Ebola. In addition to Ebola virus, researchers are developing treatments and vaccines for other Level 4 diseases including Lassa fever, Marburg virus disease, and Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever.
• One of the many areas of focus for National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease researchers is studying Nipah virus, which is a serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect both pigs and humans. Scientists are working to better understand the disease how to protect swine from infection, and developing tests for diagnosing the disease.
• The Centre prides itself on safety. It meets or exceeds all national and international laboratory safety standards to ensure employee and community safety.

Associated Links
The Public Health Agency of Canada's National Microbiology Laboratory
National Centres for Animal Diseases 
Lab 101: What does it take to house the world's deadliest diseases?

SOURCE Health Canada

Contacts: Thierry Bélair, Office of Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, 613-957-0200; Media Relations, Public Health Agency of Canada, 613-957-2983, [email protected]; Public Inquiries: 613-957-2991, 1-866-225-0709