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.

Besides the yield loss of the pigeons those are infested with ectoparasites they are also susceptible against the other infections because of weakened immunity. Thus it has been evaluated the situation of ectoparasites of domestic pigeons and determined the prevalance in Antakya region. Materials and Totally 100 domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) which are fed for hobby in Antakya region were examined with respect of ectoparasites. The prevalance of ectoparasites of domestic pigeons has been determined and identified according to the literature.The prevalance of ectoparasites of domestic pigeons was determined as 52% and three different ectoparasites were detected. Columbicola columbae was the dominant species with a percentage of 45%, Argas reflexus and Pseudolynchia canariensis were also dedected with a percentage of 5% and 2%, respectively. Despite the higher percentage of infestation in female pigeons (54,5%) when compared with males (48,9%) and adults (56,9%) when compared with juveniles (42,9%) no significant difference was found statistically (p>0.05). But louse infestation of adult pigeons (58,3%) was significantly higher than the juvenile pigeons (28,5%) statistically (p<0.05).The yield and perfomance loss in domestic pigeons should not be ruled out. Therefore hygien of shelters and ventilation is crucially important. Ectoparasiter situation should be monitorized and gotten under controlled.

Wild rats are known as a major reservoir and intermediate host for several pathogenic microbial species. Thus, theVeterinary Research Institute (VRI) conducted a survey to determine the presence of parasitic pathogens in local rats, such as blood protozoans, gastrointestinal parasites, as well as ectoparasites such as mites and lice. The study was conducted with the collaboration of Kuala Lumpur City Council Pest Control Unit, whereby a total of 105 wild rats were trapped at two urban areas of Kuala Lumpur; namely PasarPudu and Chow Kit. Autopsy was done on the rats to acquire the skin, organ and blood samples..The skin scrapping was performed on skin samples to identify the common species of mites and lice, while the floatationtechnique was conducted on faecal samples to identify helminth eggs. Results showed thatspecies of Tritrichomonas, Strongyloides, Nippostrongylus, Blastocystis, Rodentolepis, Coccidia, Trichuris, Capillaria and Ascarid were found in the faeces while Trypanosoma sp.was found in the blood samples taken from the animals. Taeniataeniformis was obtained from liver samples while theectoparasites found on skin were identified as Radfordia,Polyplax,Linognathus and Hoploplurasp. Control and eradication of rodent pests is crucial in combating emerging and re-emerging diseases which may be zoonotic as rodents are reservoirs to various pathogens.