USask’s Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization was invited to join an elite group of biocontainment facilities – the only one from outside of the United States – and was unanimously accepted.

The Research Alliance for Veterinary Science and Biodefense Network includes VIDO and 18 other biocontainment facilities, and its headquarters is at Texas A&M University.

VIDO’s Director of Business Development, Dr. Paul Hodgson, says there will be meetings in the near future to explore opportunities for VIDO and the University of Saskatchewan to partner with this network.

A key part of the focus is on livestock and wildlife.

VIDO is Canada’s Centre for Pandemic Research, which includes a vaccine manufacturing facility, a Level 3 biocontainment facility, and is working on upgrades to become containment level 4, which is the highest level possible.

(with files from cjww)