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.

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.