The UK has a new watch list of 24 infectious diseases that could pose the greatest future threat to public health.
Some are viruses with global pandemic potential – like Covid – while others are illnesses that have no existing treatments or could cause significant harm.
Avian, or bird, flu is on the list, as well as mosquito-spread illnesses that may become common with rising temperatures from climate change, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
The aim is to steer scientists and investors into making new tests and vaccines or medicines in preparation.