A total of 23,322 specimens collected between 2014 and 2017, froma total of 2,592 cases, were received in Veterinary Research Institute, Ipoh (VRI) from various states in Malaysia and testedfor common bacterial, viral, and parasitic diseases in pigs. The highest occurrence of isolated bacteria from 771 samples whichtested positive were Salmonella (47.38%) and Escherichia coli (15.68%), followed by Staphylococcus (6.62%), Streptococcus (5.57%), Klebsiella pneumonia (4.88%), Pseudomona (3.38%), Acinetobacter (3.14%), Aeromonas (2.79%), Enterobacter (2.44%), one each of Bacillus and Pasteurella multocida (1.74%), Enterococcus (1.39%) and Corynebacterium (1.05%). 1.74% of each bacteria detected were Moxarella, Aspergillus, Burkholderia andChromobacterium. Positive samples tested by ELISA was Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) (9.15%), Aujezsky disease virus (ADV)(5.37%), porcine cirvo-virus-2 (PCV2) (5.09%) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) (4.52%). Positive amples tested by the molecular test wasPCV2 (1.62%), PRRSV (1.32%) and classical swine fever virus (CSFV) (0.4%). Serology tests were conducted on 11,305 samplesand reported positive for Brucella suis (15.32%), Brucella abortus (0.62%), Brucella melitensis (0.85%), and melioidosis (0.05%). Parasitology analyses on 99 samples. revealed presence of 10.1% coccidia and 1% each of helminths and Sarcocystis. Within the 4-year period, there were no positive samples for porcine parvovirus (PPV), Nipah virus, swine influenza virus (SIV), and bacteria of Johne’s disease and leptospirosis. Continuous assessment is required to establish a comprehensive baseline data of swine diseases in Malaysia.

Animal-to-human brucellosis transmission methods in Kajiado NorthSub - Count y, Kenya are inadequately documented. The Sub- County’s main livelihood is livestock-keeping, putting it at risk to brucellosis infections. Objective of this study was to determine the knowledge of brucellosis among animal and humanhealth workers. These workers were stationed in Kajiado North Sub-County and were the key informants of this study from whom qualitative data was collected. The data was analysed based on emerging themes, e.g. brucellosis significance in the community, livestock birthing and milk hygiene. Results revealed that brucellosis a significant disease in the community, informants were knowledgeable on the need for pre-purchase livestock examination, the need for proper disposal of livestock abortive material and on good milk hygiene measures. However, it was found that not all had adequate knowledge about brucellosis transmission through livestock birthing. The results indicated that measures to control and prevent brucellosis transmission to man, and between animals were inadequate as health workers were unable to adequately advise the community. It is recommendedthat health workers should be trained on all methods of brucellosis transmission, especially transmission during livestock births.

A study was carried out to analyse the efficacy of neem leaf powder, administered in a capsule against coccidiosis in young goats as well as to identify the species of coccidia found in a selected private farm in Sungai Siput, Perak. A total of seven Eimeria spp were found, in faecal samples from the experimental goats, namely; E. arloingi,E. hirci, E. alijevi, E. christenseni, E. jolchijevi, E. ninakohlyakimovae and E. caprina at a rate of 40%, 23%, 14%, 7%, 5% and 2% respectively. Two types of treatment for coccidiosis, herbal and synthetic, were given to 24 young goats for a period of 8 weeks to evaluate the effectiveness of a herbal product, that is the neem leaf powder capsule, a product of the Veterinary Research Institute.Results show that there is no significant differences (p>0.01) between neem capsule treatment and a synthetic drug (sulphurbased) treatment in treating coccidiosis infection. This study shows that neem leaf powder can be an effective substitute for controlling coccidiosis in goats

Trypanosomiasis positive cases were reported in Sahom Farm Retreatin Gopeng, Perak; with multispecies livestock animals. Nzi and Vavoua traps were applied to survey the population of biting flies; stable flies (Muscidae: Stomoxyinae) and horse flies (Tabanidae)as the vector for surra. Results indicated the presence of Trypanosomiasis infection diagnosed by buffy coat examination, thinblood stained smears and serological test (Surra Sero K-Set test) and identification of its insect vectors. The presence of bothbiting flies provides the missing link between the occurrence of the disease and host or environmental factors precipitatingthe disease. Besides trypanosomiasis in cattle, other parasitic infections were also recorded with heavy infections for liver fluke (Fasciola gigantica ova) and coccidia oocysts. Therefore, some control measures are recommended to eradicate the vectors and to treat infected animals in order to prevent the dissemination ofthe trypanosmiasis.

A total of 145,347 samples (4,322 cases) were received for the passive surveillance of melioidosis in the Serology Laboratory of Veterinary Research Institute (VRI) from the year 2012 to 2016. From the samples received, 0.63% were positive and 99.37% were negative. The objective of this study is to determine the seropositive rate and distribution of melioidosis in livestockbased on cases received which comprise of sheep (37.24%, n=54,130), goat (54.01%, n=78,500), cattle (8.12%, n=11,804) andbuffalo (0.63%, n=913) within the period of 5 years. A geographical mapping of seropositive cases was designed using thedata from the passive surveillance and the results were visualized in a geographical mapping which provides a clear visual description on the distribution of the diseases. By 2016, positive cases were found to be concentrated in the states on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah. To sum up, the percentage of seropositive cases of melioidosis in 5 years has increased from 1.79% in 2012 to 12.17% in 2015 and decreased to 1.04% in 2016. From the findings, this study can provide the dataneeded as the indicator for the evaluation of surveillance and vaccination programmes, disease eradication planning and to monitor the distribution of seropositive cases of melioidosis in Malaysia.

Malaysia has experienced four waves of H5N1 outbreak but no humandeaths were recorded which is in 2004, 2006, 2007 and latest outbreak in 2017 at Kelantan. The objective of this paper is tocollect, analyse and summarise the data of HPAI cases from the outbreak from 1 March to 22 June 2017. A total of 1,634 cases, 8,544 samples were received at the Registration Unit and Virology Section, Regional Veterinary Laboratory in Kota Bharu (RVLKB) for diagnosis and surveillance of H5N1 during this period. The samples received were pooled organs and intestines from post-mortem (41 cases) and cloaca swabs in tryptose phosphate buffer from surveillance (1,593 cases), which were sent to RVL, Kota Bharu and Veterinary Research Institute, Ipoh, Perak (VRI). They were processed and diagnosed using quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (RT qPCR) technique to detect and subtyping of the virus. Total positive cases for H5N1 were 53 out of 1,634 with 18 diagnostic cases and 35 surveillance cases. All positive cases during outbreak were detected from 43 locations from six districts of Kota Bharu, Bachok, Pasir Puteh, Pasir Mas, Tumpat and Tanah Merah, with 19 locations in Kota Bharu which is thehighest affected by H5N1, seven locations in Bachok, four in Pasir Putih, six in PasirMas, six in Tumpat and one in Tanah Merah. Many factors could have led to the acute spread of the virus between the districts like chicken smuggling, legal and illegal poultry trade, migration of infected wild birds and others. Understanding the source of outbreak and how it spread is important to control, eradicate and prevent the spread of the disease as it is zoonotic and infects human.

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.

The local river terrapins (Batagur affinis) are an important aspect of the river ecosystem. The Turtle Conservation Centre in Bota Kanan noted morbidity and mortality in its terrapin population and some were sent for full laboratory investigationto diagnose cause of death. The faecal samples were subjected to faecal floatation technique whereby ascarid eggs were observed indicating that the turtles had helminth infection. Ascarid eggs had thick walls and measured at 140.6 μm to 149.7 μm in diameter. Apart from this, post-mortem examination of intestinal contents also showed presence of nematodes identified as Oesophagostomum sp. Treatment and control have to be instituted to prevent further morbidity and losses.

Salmonella is known as one of the important food-borne pathogenthat causes salmonellosis in human and animals worldwide. A prevalence study on salmonellosis was conducted on wild rats in Kelantan. From April to June 2015, a total of 36 rats and house shrews sent to the Regional Veterinary Laboratory in Kota Bharu, Kelantan were examined for the presence of Salmonella. These animalswere caught from various locations in the state and were sent to the laboratory either as live or dead specimens. Post mortem wasconducted and intestines were taken for detection of salmonellosis. Results showed that of the 32 rats and 4 shrews examined, 5 (15.6%) rats and 3 (75%) shrews were found positive and on serotyping fourserotypes of Salmonella were identified which are Salmonella ser. Kalamu (62.5%), Salmonella ser. Thyphimurium (12.5%), Salmonella ser. Weltevreden (12.5%) and Salmonella ser. Brancaster (12.5%). In conclusion, positive identification of Salmonella in wild rats indicates that there is a possible transmission of the pathogento humans due to constant contact between the two. Thus appropriate measures are needed to control these pests population to prevent spread of diseases to the humans and animals.

This study was conducted to observe the occurrence of aflatoxin in chicken feed from Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 336 samples of chicken feed from Peninsular Malaysia were conveniently collected in this survey. The chicken feed represented the following three categories which are starter, grower and finisher. All samples werecollected from local poultry farms in East Coast Region (Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang), Northern Region (Perlis, Kedah, Penang, and Perak), Southern Region (Malacca, Johor) and Central Region (Selangor, Negeri Sembilan) of Peninsular Malaysia for a periodof six months (July-December 2015). Enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for screening of total aflatoxin (TA) in the samples. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detector was used for determination of aflatoxin B and G. Moisture content of samples was determined using the hot airoven method (AOAC International, 2011). Overall, the incidence of positive TA >20 µg/kg in chicken feed is 14.9% (50 samples). The average level of TA was found significantly different between different states at p<0.05 for both broiler grower and finisher. Thechromatograph results showed that positive samples were found in broiler finisher from Kedah (94.6 µg/kg and 42.1 µg/kg) and Penang(56.4 µg/kg) with aflatoxin B1. In this study, the range of moisture content were around 6.5-27.3%. About 40% samples have more than12% moisture content. One of the predisposing factors for aflatoxin accumulation in chicken feed is moisture content. The results warrantthe need for surveillance and constant monitoring programmes for the prevention of aflatoxin incidence in poultry farms.