The Australian government will invest $8.4 million over the next four years into preventing, detecting, and mitigating the impacts of emerging animal diseases, including those with potential to become a pandemic. Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud on Monday announced the significant new initiative aimed at supporting the country’s wildlife health and early warning capabilities. Currently, there are an estimated 1.7 million undiscovered viruses in mammals and bird hosts. Many of these viruses exists in the wildlife and are evolving into different variants which pose an unknown level of risk to humans, animals, and ecosystems. “COVID-19 has brought into sharp focus the importance of recognising and managing emerging zoonotic disease risks which can originate from wildlife,” Littleproud said. “That’s why we are taking a ‘true One Health’ approach, that recognises the interdependencies of human, animal, and environmental health, which is essential to preventing future pandemics. “This program positions Australia as a …