A huge white construction balloon covering the work area for a new high-containment, large-animal research building collapsed Sunday night at the National Centers for Animal Health.

“It’s pretty seriously damaged,” said Randall Levings, director of the National Veterinary Service Laboratories.

The balloon, held aloft by three cranes, was supported by forced air until winds caught it and caused a tear in the fabric. Once a tear occurred, the balloon could no longer be held up by forced air and fell, Levings said.

He said wind has been a threat to the dome since it was constructed around Nov. 25.

The bubble, which was taller than a 12-story building and longer than a football field, was in place to regulate temperatures for pouring concrete. When building a high containment facility — like the lab — extra care must be taken to pour the concrete at specific temperatures, Levings said.

Workers were still pouring concrete last week.

Levings said the balloon was still helpful, but he was unsure if the project was at a point where the balloon is still critical.

“I’m sure we’re not to the point that we couldn’t have used it,” he said.

Levings said laboratory officials will know more after meeting the contractor on Monday, when the decision whether to repair the balloon is made.

— The Associated Press contributed to this article.