A large proportion of communicable diseases have an animal origin. The focus articles in this issue cover the more ‘traditional’ zoonotic diseases, which are notifiable in Australia.

Q fever is the most commonly notified zoonotic disease in Australia, with the majority of cases reported from northern New South Wales and southern Queensland.

A large proportion of communicable diseases have an animal origin. The focus articles in this issue cover the more ‘traditional’ zoonotic diseases, which are notifiable in Australia.