Research Activity in Malacca: Urban Zoonotic Diseases

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Research activity on vector-borne diseases from rodents have been conducted on 25th-26th October and 20th-22nd December 2019. Samples collection was carried out in several locations in Melaka City, which are divided into 3 main areas, namely, residential (e.g. Taman Anika, Flat Aunler, Pasar Transit Bachang), recreational (e.g. Pantai Jaring, Pantai Klebang), and commercial (e.g. Plaza Mahkota, Dataran Sg. Melaka). This fieldwork had obtained the approval and cooperation from Mr. Noramirul Nizam bin Khamis who is also the Director, Department of Environmental Health, Majlis Bandaraya Melaka Bersejarah (MBMB). Main objective of this research study is to investigate the prevalence and distribution of zoonotic diseases (such as leptospirosis, rickettsiosis, etc.) from the urban area of Malacca, Malaysia.

 

Zoonoses are diseases that are naturally transmitted between animals and humans. With the constant and inevitable interaction of man and animals, zoonotic diseases remain a genuine threat to health and survival for people, their livestock, companion animals and wildlife. Among the many zoonotic diseases prevalent in Malaysia, are leptospirosis, rabies, influenza, Japanese encephalitis, toxoplasmosis, ornithosis, Q fever and monkeypox which have been investigated at the lnstitute for Medical Research, Kuala Lumpur. This research study is important for public to be aware of zoonotic diseases in order to prevent zoonotic disease transmission when handling animals for example pets and stray animals in urban areas.