The Regional Biocontainment Laboratory

The University of Missouri-Columbia College of Veterinary Medicine's regional biocontainment laboratory is a facility that will be a critical part of our nation's biodefense effort. Built to the highest state and federal safety levels, this $16.5 million building will aid researchers in fighting pathogens such as West Nile virus.

The building is located on the East Campus, just south of the National Swine Research & Resource Center. It will include research laboratories and associated research-support areas. As one of only 13 such structures in the United States, the facility will provide critically needed bio-containment space for research and training focused on biodefense pathogens. Researchers working in the building will assist national, state, and local public health officials in the event of a biodefense emergency. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease awarded MU a $12 million grant toward the construction of this building in 2003. Design and construction began in the Fall of 2006 and is expected to be completed toward the end of 2008.