 A new global initiative will use nuclear science to better manage pandemic threats such as COVID-19. The International Atomic Energy Agency has launched the Zoonotic Disease Integrated Action Project, or Zodiac. This will work to help countries control diseases that cross from animals to humans and to respond quickly to any outbreaks. Nuclear and nuclear-derived techniques are proven tools for detecting and understanding zoonotic diseases. They are currently being used to quickly and accurately test people for COVID-19 around the world. The IAEA has its own animal health laboratories operating jointly with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. It also coordinates work in a large international network of veterinary research facilities. The Zodiac project will build upon the IAEA's cooperation with the FAO, the World Organization for Animal Health, and the World Health Organization, among others. Zoonotic diseases affect around 2.6 billion people every year and include Zika, Ebola, and bird flu. The Zodiac project will use scientific research to improve emergency assistance during potential pandemics. For example, it will track disease pathogens as they move from the environment to animals and on to people, and build a real-time IT platform to help authorities make quick decisions. The IAEA's Director General announced the new initiative at the Agency's Board of Governors. Zodiac is the way the IAEA is going to continue supporting member states to finally defeat COVID-19 and to be prepared for the next pandemic.