Level 3 Lab, Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development, Neil Crawford Center
When the Province of Alberta experienced the first Canadian case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in May 2003, questions began to arise regarding testing capabilities and frequencies. Although testing was occurring regularly, the Government determined that it was not well equipped to deal with a major outbreak situation. In addition, the Government saw the need for additional testing for other Transmissable Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE) agents, such as; Scrapie and Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).
The result is a world class level 3 biocontainment laboratory designed and constructed to meet Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) “Containment Standards for Veterinary Facilities”.
The building is a 2926 m2 building that is composed of a BSE lab, Bacteriology/Virology lab, Generic lab, small animal holding area, storage spaces, two boardrooms (one inside containment and one outside), shower facilities, office space, perimeter corridor and mechanical & electrical support spaces.The total level 3 containment space is 685 m2. The total mechanical and electrical service space is 1050 m2.
