Stephen
J. Prowse, PhD, Nigel Perkins, BVSc (Hon), MS, PhD & Hume Field, BVSc,
MSc, PhD |
|
Summary
Along
with many other countries, Australia faces significant threats from
emerging infectious diseases that emanate from wildlife or involve
a wildlife vector. A salient example of such a disease is Hendra
virus. The outbreaks of Hendra virus in 2008 highlight the critical
need for a ‘One
Health’
approach to the management of emerging infectious diseases. In Australia,
cross-sectoral and cross jurisdictional ‘One
Health’
approaches to the improved management of emerging infectious disease
are being undertaken. These include improved management and sharing
of biosecurity information, the joint cross-sectoral development
of laboratory infrastructure, ‘One
Health’
policy initiatives and ‘One
Health’
approaches to disease research. These initiatives are enhancing
Australia’s
disease response capacity and capability as well as supporting efforts
to better control emerging infectious disease in the region.
Keywords
AusBIOSEC,
Australia, Biosecurity, Disease, Emerging, Health, Hendra, Information,
One Health, Public health, Research, Trans-discipline. |