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Our biosecurity measures reduce the risk of communicable diseases coming into Australia to protect human health. We work with other government agencies and countries to prevent the spread of serious diseases here and overseas.

Bird flu (avian influenza) spreads mainly among wild water birds, but can occasionally infect humans. Read about the situation in Australia, what to do if you travel overseas, and the importance of getting your annual influenza vaccine.

Communicable diseases are a significant health issue in Australia and around the world. We develop policies and work with experts, organisations and other agencies to protect the Australian population against disease outbreaks, and reduce their impact on people and our economy.

Governments carry out communicable disease surveillance in Australia at international, national, state and local levels. This helps us better understand these diseases and the threat they pose to public health. We can then work to prevent outbreaks and respond to them faster and more effectively.

We coordinate the operational activities to support domestic and international deployment of emergency medical teams. We also provide strategic policy and operations advice to senior leaders and the Australian Government on health emergency response issues.

Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a severe disease that affects your airways and breathing. Find information about MERS, what the symptoms are and how you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from severe illness.

Learn about mpox, including symptoms, transmission, diagnosis and treatment. Get the latest prevention and management advice.

We work with state and territory counterparts to minimise the impacts of major emergencies on human health and life, health systems, and Australian Government health services and assets.

The National Incident Centre (NIC) is our emergency response centre. It coordinates national responses to health emergencies, significant events and emerging threats.

The National Occupational Respiratory Disease Registry stores data about occupational respiratory disease diagnoses and exposures in Australia. This will help us better understand the diseases so we can protect workers and support those affected and their families.

Learn about syphilis, its symptoms, stages, diagnosis and treatment. Get the latest prevention and management advice.