OBJECTIVES: Globalization necessitates better co-ordination among countries to monitor disease outbreaks. The spread of SARS in 2003 highlights this need. Hence, this study compared the notifiable diseases surveillance websites of four countries. METHODS: Twenty-five countries were identified from literature that had published Human Development Index >0.9 and Quality-of-Life index >7. Four countries from this list were selected, namely, United States (US), Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Fourteen European Union member countries were excluded, as they have a process to harmonize and consolidate their disease surveillance networks in place by 2013. Seven other countries were excluded as either there was incomplete information (n=4) or information was partially in their native language (n=3). Parameters evaluated were: number of diseases monitored, case definition, presentation of data, and periodicity of data presentation. Websites were accessed from December 4 - December 7, 2008. RESULTS: Information on the number of diseases monitored varied across countries, namely, 64 (U.S.), 66 (Canada), 66 (Australia), and 51 (New Zealand), respectively. There was lack of consistency in case definitions, data presentation, and the type of data accessed on their websites. The US presented raw data in the form of ‘Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report' and elaborated annual reports, available unto 2006. Canada reported raw data monthly and annual reports available until 2004. Australia reported raw data fortnightly and annual reports available into 2006. No such detailed information was available on the surveillance website for New Zealand. CONCLUSIONS: There exists discrepancy in the disease surveillance websites for the countries, in reporting surveillance data and related information. Infectious diseases can achieve epidemiological proportions, hence, there needs to be more concerted efforts in harmonizing structure of the surveillance networks and data presentation. Harmonization efforts taken by the ‘European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control' once published, may be considered by other countries.