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.

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.

Readers express their opinions on published articles and topics of interest.

A case is discussed of a boy who presented with skin markings that arose in the context of fevers and a sore throat.

Many issues related to catheters can be safely and adequately managed in the community, resulting in timely management and increased patient satisfaction.

Evidence suggests that GPs and their recommendations consistently improve participation in screening for CRC.

Most older people who have died by suicide have seen a GP in the preceding three months, representing a potential opportunity to intervene.

Medical research in Australia has mostly been conducted in tertiary hospital settings, but as the majority of illnesses are managed in primary care, there is a need for a change in focus.

The clinical challenge is based on this month’s Focus articles. To complete this activity, go to gplearning and log in with the username and password you use to log in to the RACGP website.

Brucellosis has earned its place alongside syphilis and tuberculosis as one of the ‘great imitators’ and causes of pyrexia of unknown origin.

All Australian bats have the potential to carry and transmit lyssavirus, and risky exposures to bats are common. Timely notification following exposure is crucial to ensure appropriate management.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is useful in the treatment of major depressive disorder that is otherwise resistant to treatment.

Diagnostically, Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease is a challenging condition to detect premortem because of non-specific clinical manifestations.

Carefully consider travel and animal exposure history in all patients with undiagnosed febrile illnesses.

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.