Toxocariasis is an important cosmopolitan zoonotic disease mainlycaused by Toxocara spp., a type of soil transmitted helminth (STH) on cats and dogs. In this study, 80 soil samples were taken from four public playgrounds and six neighbourhood playgrounds in Ipoh, Perak between October and December 2016 to determine the status of soil contamination with the eggs of Toxocara spp. Results showed that 32.5% from the total soil samples were positive with Toxocara spp. eggs. Overall, five out of ten of the sampling sites were contaminated with Toxocara spp. eggs. Besides that, the relationship between the soil condition and the occurrence of the Toxocara spp. eggs in soils were also investigated. The findings showed that increase of moisture and pH of the soils contributed to the increase of contaminationwith Toxocara spp. eggs. Sandy soils were found significantly contaminated with the eggs of Toxocara spp. compared to theother types of soil. Therefore, appropriate preventive measures such as treatment of soil, regular monitoring and deworming of dogs and cats as well as awareness programmes to the public are important.

Nematode eggs in liver tissues of two wild rats were recorded atthe Regional Veterinary Laboratory, Kota Bharu from 2014 to 2015. A total of 15 (2014) and 48 (2015) wild rats were examined by the laboratory for routine screening of zoonotic pathogens such as Leptospira sp. and others. On histological examination of the haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained liver tissues, masses of parasitic nematode eggs were observed. The shell of the eggsis striated with shallow polar prominences at either end. Numerous mini-pores can be seen on the outer shell as well. The eggswere identified as Capillaria hepatica (C. hepatica) nematode eggs, which causes hepatic capillariasis in rodents and numerous other mammal species, including humans. The wild rats were alsoshown to harbour Salmonella enteritidis from the intestine, E. coli from the lung and liver but none had leptospirosis by PCR. The purpose of this report is to highlight a common nematode of wildrats that is Capillaria hepatica infection in wild rats in Kelantan diagnosed by the Kota Bharu Regional Laboratory, in orderto create the awareness on concurrent parasitic infections which may cause reduced immunity thereby creating higher risk for other zoonotic pathogens such as leptospirosis.

Stray dogs are carriers of several zoonotic diseases such as leishmaniasis and canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) as a result of poor nutrition, low hygienic conditions and lack of veterinary care. Thus, the Veterinary Research Institute (VRI) conducted a survey to determine the parasite pathogens such as blood protozoans, gastrointestinal parasites and ectoparasites in stray dogs with the collaboration of the Kuala Lumpur City Council Pest Control Unit. Skin, organ, faecal and blood samples were analysed and results indicate that Babesia canis, Babesia gibsoni, Ehrlichia canis, Hepatozoon canis and microfilaria of Dirofilaria immittis are the common parasites species found in the blood and organ samples in 2014. The faecal floatation technique showed the presence ofhelminth ova such as Trichuris, Ancylostoma and Toxocara species. All skin samples were positive for Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks. As strays are closely linked to human habitats such as market and housing areas, it is vital that stray population control is strategically implemented to safeguard these common zoonotic infections from spreading to humans.

Many parasitology laboratories practiced the McMaster technique as a method in obtaining the quantitative diagnosis of Strongyle eggs burden in farm animals especially ruminants. The McMaster technique also play a crucial role in faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) for anthelmintic resistance identification. Some laboratoriesrecommend two-chamber counting method while some recommend single chamber counting method. This study focuses on the comparison between single and double counting in McMaster technique fordetection of Strongyle egg count. In this study, it is shown that there is no significant difference between both methods basedon the p-value obtained which is p>0.05 from 127 fresh goat faecal samples. The techniques practised during the study follow the standard established technique. Single chamber counting is suitable for a large number of faecal samples from big herds because it is faster, less laborious and produces sensitive and reliable results in Strongyle egg count. As more commercial farms are set up, there is a need to conduct a fast and efficient test to help farmers evaluate their livestock worm burden.