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This year, field epidemiologists across the Australian CDC have supported work on a range of public health priorities, from infectious syphilis and diphtheria to Ebola disease risk assessments and highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (bird flu).
At the Australian CDC, Cushla Coffey and Madeleine Walsh are among the epidemiologists helping Australia understand and prepare for emerging infectious disease threats, including bird flu. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, they help assess risks, strengthen surveillance and support preparedness efforts.
Tracking an evolving threat
Field epidemiology is about understanding where disease is spreading, who may be at risk and what actions can help protect communities.
Epidemiologists bring together information from surveillance systems, laboratory testing, research and international partners to monitor disease trends and identify emerging public health risks.
The global spread of bird flu highlights the importance of this work. While the risk to the Australian public remains low, epidemiologists continue to assess new evidence and monitor developments to inform Australia's preparedness and response
A One Health approach
Many health threats, including bird flu, sit at the intersection of human, animal and environmental health.
For epidemiologists, this means working closely with public health agencies, veterinary experts, laboratories, researchers and international partners.
"One of the things I enjoy most about this work is that you're never working in isolation.” Cushla said.
“We regularly connect with colleagues in animal health, environmental health, laboratories and public health, and each brings a different perspective.
By putting those pieces together, we can build a clearer picture of what's happening and be better prepared for whatever comes next."
This collaborative approach recognises that protecting human health requires understanding the connections between people, animals and the environment.
Protecting people through preparedness
Some of the most important work in field epidemiology happens before an emergency occurs.
Preparedness involves strengthening surveillance, assessing risks, building partnerships and planning for a range of scenarios. The ongoing work to monitor bird flu demonstrates the value of this approach.
"Preparedness is one of the most important parts of epidemiology.” Madeleine said.
“The work we do before an emergency happens - through surveillance, risk assessment, planning and building partnerships - helps ensure we can respond quickly and effectively when new health threats, just like bird flu, emerge."
Every day, Australia's field epidemiologists work behind the scenes, bringing together data, expertise and evidence to help detect, understand and respond to public health threats.
Reflecting on the impact of her work, Madeleine said, "Behind every dataset are people and communities, and my role is to provide the evidence needed to support better public health decisions."
"I chose epidemiology because I wanted to make a difference at a population level. You may not always see the impact directly, but knowing that your work can help prevent illness and protect communities is incredibly rewarding." Cushla said.
Learn more
Bird flu (avian influenza) | Australian Centre for Disease Control
Disease surveillance and reporting | Australian Centre for Disease Control
Preparedness | Australian Centre for Disease Control
One Health | Australian Centre for Disease Control