The Animal Research Institute (ARI), Brisbane, represents the largest group of animal scientists in the Department of Primary Industries, with specialists in the areas of microbiology, virology, biochemistry, parasitology, pathology, biometry, animal production and genetics.

ARI contributes to all of the State's animal production systems through health monitoring and research on diseases, improving nutrition and animal husbandry. Control programs for infectious micro-organisms, poisonous plants and major animal parasites depend heavily on ARI expertise. Institute staff are national leaders in the detection of residues of pesticides, antibiotics, microbial toxins and heavy metals in food and the environment.