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Bovine serum investigation update

The Perth Magistrates Court will soon hear a matter involving Western Australian biotech company, Serana (WA) Pty Ltd.

The proceedings relate to a charge of False or Misleading Statement contrary to section 70C(1) of the Quarantine Act 1908.

The Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources commenced inquiries in early 2013 after receiving information about potential biosecurity risks associated with imported Foetal Bovine Serum (FBS).

The current charge arose from information provided by Serana in response to a direction to supply information about imported FBS.

FBS is a blood product used by the Australian research and biotech community. It has the potential to harbour serious diseases of concern, including foot and mouth disease and Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus. Blood products present a biosecurity risk to Australia if sourced from countries affected by these diseases.

All other matters relating to the department’s investigations into FBS imports are ongoing.


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