Xenophon wants anthrax shipment explained

Independent senator Nick Xenophon has called for an explanation of how live anthrax was sent to Australia by the US.

US authorities investigating the shipment of live anthrax by a military lab said on Friday a batch of the lethal bacteria was mistakenly sent to Australia in 2008.

"If the government can put in a big effort in terms of Johnny Depp's dogs, then I reckon they should give a full explanation for something as serious as this," Senator Xenophon said.

"If this incident was covered up in any way, what else has been covered up?"

It wasn't clear precisely when samples from the 2008 batch were sent out or where the samples were sent to - apart from Australia, US officials said.