PATHOGENIC MICROORGANISMS IN WILD RATS

Rats are the most widespread pest species and well-known to transmit zoonotic disease agents and cause destruction to the environment. In this study, twenty rodents were trapped by using wire traps baited with various baits in Serdang, Sepang, Seremban and Rembau, Malaysia. The locations represented the urban and suburban habitats and distribution of rodents. Three rat species and one shrew species were trapped from these habitats. There was no significant (p>0.05) difference in bait preference by the rats from either habitat. No Salmonella was detected in the rodents. Seventy-five percent of the rodents were found to be infested
with at least one of nine different types of ectoparasites identified. All rodents (100%) were infested with at least one type of endoparasites. There was significant (p<0.05) difference in parasitic distribution between habitats, with urban rats more infested with ectoparasites. Among the parasites of potential medical importance identified were Polyplax spinulosa, Hoplopleura pacifica and Ornithonyssus bacoti. In conclusion, the species parasites of rats were partly determined by the nature of their habitats. Also, the rodents live in close proximity to human especially in urban areas and they carry organisms that may be detrimental to the health of humans and other animals. Thus, appropriate measures are needed to control the rodent Phthirpopulation to prevent the spread of diseases to humans and other animals.