Queensland's Animal Research Institute (ARI) will celebrate 100 years of contribution to the state's agricultural industry through research and development.
Since its establishment in 1909, the ARI has been responsible for many achievements including saving the lives of millions of the state's cattle through tick fever research and a vaccination program.
"Originally called the Stock Experiment Station, it was the first facility in Australia involved in research to deal with diseases in stock," said the Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland, Tim Mulherin.
During its history, specialists in veterinary pathology, microbiology, biometry, biochemistry, and animal husbandry have worked at the site.
ARI personnel have diagnosed and treated livestock diseases, and developed industry practices for farmed animals.
Notable achievements include management and eradication of potentially fatal cattle diseases like bovine pleuropneumonia, tuberculosis and brucellosis.
"ARI has produced vaccines for botulism since the 1960s, and currently leads the nation in research on the impact of food-borne pathogens such as Salmonella and Campylobacter in intensive pig and poultry systems," said Mr Mulherin.
The ARI has played a key role in emergency situations, including ensuring Australian meat is free of pesticides and antibiotics after the 1987 discovery of pesticides in beef exports. This resulted in protecting the health of consumers and Australia's billion dollar export markets, he said.
Research programs have also centred on genetic testing in cattle, pigs and poultry to improve their growth and health and the quality of meat and eggs.
ARI researchers identified the characteristics of the Hendra virus in racehorses and established it is carried by bats.
With issues such as carbon trading and climate change, ARI is focusing research in reducing methane emission from livestock by modifying their digestive processes.
Scientists are also utilising naturally occurring fungi as a more environmentally friendly control for cattle ticks, sheep lice and the small hive beetle.
ARI will be relocated to new custom built facilities, following a $375 million partnership with CSIRO to build two cutting-edge science precincts in Brisbane.
The partnership includes the establishment of the Health and Food Sciences Precinct at Coopers Plains to be opened next year, which will house 700 scientists.