Recent emergence of zoonoses, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), highly pathogenic avian influenza are of considerable concern. The Avian Zoonosis Research Center (AZRC) has been established since April 2005 to investigate transmissible diseases that human can be infected by through domestic and wild birds. Our research projects on avian influenza viruses are being performed for prediction of emergence of the viruses, and clarifying ecological aspects, pathogenicity, and genetic characteristics of the viruses to contribute to prevention of outbreaks and establishment of risk management against avian influenza in Japan. Other studies on salmonellosis, colibacillosis, and avian paramyxovirus infection are also carried out on a global scale to find a plan to control these diseases.