NEIKER has strengthened animal health research by renovating its high-safety laboratory

The Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development (NEIKER) has completely renovated the Level 3 Biological Containment Laboratory (NCB3) at its headquarters in Derio, also known as the P3 Laboratory, a fundamental reform in the study of high-risk pathogenic agents that cause diseases such as tuberculosis or avian influenza.

The work has involved an investment of EUR 5 million. The area of the laboratory has been increased to 900 square metres and the systems of safety, biocontainment and energy efficiency have been modernised, placing the facilities among the most advanced in Europe in their category.

NEIKER has had its P3 laboratory since 2002, when it was opened in response to the "mad cow" health alert. Now, thanks to collaboration with the State Research Agency and the Department of Food, Rural Development, Agriculture and Fisheries of the Basque Government, the spaces of this laboratory have been completely reorganized and with the expansion of the surface area, five independent laboratories and new areas adapted to international animal welfare standards have been created.

Among the main innovations are four rooms for small animals and an animal husbandry with four boxes for large animals, a necropsy room and various technical areas.

The air conditioning system has also been optimized with high-efficiency HEPA filters and a geothermal system has been installed to reduce energy consumption. Security has also been strengthened by redundancy of critical equipment, such as ventilation systems and autoclave, ensuring that the strictest conditions are maintained at all times.

The Basque Government has pointed out that these technological improvements complement the human team specialized, trained and experienced in managing risk pathogens and complying with the strictest biosafety protocols. "The knowledge and technical capacity of workers are essential to ensure that research is carried out safely, efficiently and with the greatest scientific rigour," explains Joseba Garrido, head of the Animal Health Department of NEIKER.

This innovation places NEIKER as a European benchmark in the research and control of animal diseases, in line with the vision of a safer, more sustainable and resilient agri-food system. Laboratory work also follows the principles of the One Health approach, which promotes interdependence between animal, human and environmental health.

The institute has explained that P3 laboratories are "one of the safest and most controlled research environments for dangerous pathogens." It is essential to contain these pathogens and prevent leakage by manipulating pathogens that can be transmitted with air, such as those that cause tuberculosis and avian influenza, many of which are zoonotic (capable of affecting both animals and people).