Australia is supporting the construction of a new Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) suite at the Papua New Guinea Biosecurity Authority’s testing facilities in KilaKila, Port Moresby, strengthening PNG’s ability to detect and respond to plant and animal disease outbreaks.
The new facility, expected to be completed this year, will provide dedicated molecular diagnostics capability, enabling faster local testing for pests and diseases and reducing the need to send samples overseas.
PNG Biosecurity Authority is the country’s lead agency for protecting animal and plant health and managing biosecurity risks at the border.
The PCR suite will support faster testing for pests and diseases, helping detect outbreaks locally rather than sending samples overseas.
PNG Biosecurity Authority General Manager for Technical and Advisory, Mr David Tenakanai, said the new testing facility would significantly enhance the country’s ability to detect and respond to animal disease outbreaks in a timely manner.
“During the African swine fever outbreak, PNG Biosecurity Authority had to wait more than three weeks for confirmation of the disease. This facility will strengthen our ability to test regularly and respond quickly, reducing the waiting time for real-time results,” Mr Tenakanai said.
The PCR suite will also support PNG’s key commodity crops, including cocoa, coffee and coconut, providing farmers with real-time diagnosis for local livestock and crop diseases, safeguarding livelihoods and strengthening food security.
Australia, through the Economic and Social Infrastructure Program, is working with PNG to strengthen national biosecurity systems, support trade, boost economic productivity and protect rural communities.
ENDS
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) suite. Once completed, the facility will enhance the PNG Biosecurity Authority’s capacity to detect and control animal disease outbreaks.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100