As an island nation, Australia has successfully eliminated some infections in both human and animal populations but failed to control others. Using mathematical modelling, we show where border control policies can limit disease spread and how modelling can inform public health policy.

Data and modelling of human respiratory infections such as SARS and influenza shows very low potential of border measures to prevent disease introduction and the potential for very rapid spread across the country once established. While it is difficult to control introduction of zoonotic infections such as avian influenza, internal measures can bring disease spread under control. Mathematical modelling can both predict disease spread and identify measures to improve biosecurity.

Border controls greatly reduce introduction of foodborne illness, although importation of food and travel of infected people can result in disease introduction. Models and risk assessment methods help to quantify the probability of disease establishment and the likely human health implications in terms of additional hospitalisations and deaths. The introduction of whole genome sequencing as a tool for public health policy makers can assist in identifying disease acquisition patterns across internal borders and in travellers returning from overseas.

The potential for border controls to prevent introduction and establishment of communicable diseases varies considerably according to transmission routes. Collaborations between human and animal health researchers are crucial for zoonotic disease threats, while emerging typing methods can assist in identifying common sources and routes of spread.