Zoonosis & Penyakit Baharu Muncul


Programme Leader /Ketua Program :

Prof. Dr. Noordin Mohamed Mustapha - Veterinary Pathology

Name of Co-Researcher / Nama Penyelidik 

1. Prof. Dato' Dr. Mohd Azmi Mohd Lila - Veterinary Virology
2. Prof. Dr. Latiffah Hassan - Veterinary Epidemiology
3. Prof. Dr. Zunita Zakaria - Bacteriology & Molecular Biology
4. Prof. Dr. Jalila Abu -  Avian Medicine
5. Dr. Reuben Sunil Kumar Sharma - Veterinary Parasitology 

Synopsis:

" The complexity of zoonotic and emerging diseases warranted an effective preparedness in handling an outbreak. The factors that contribute to their occurrences include microbial, environmental, host and population dynamics as well as ease of worldwide travel and breakdown in control measures. Moreover, the changes in transmission dynamics bring into a closer and a more frequent contact with zoonotic pathogens, which are involved in 75% of the outbreaks.

Thus, with respect to the changes observed, four major areas need to be explored, which are rapid detection, improved surveillance, good early warning and appropriate response. Investigation on emergent pandemic infection threat and pathogen discovery are also emphasised as the pro-active phase in predicting and controlling/eradicating an outbreak of a zoonotic and/or emerging disease."

Keynotes: zoonotic, emerging, preparedness

Research Highlights:

  • The only Veterinary Faculty with the most number of expertise in various fields especially zoonotic and emerging diseases is able to mount a comprehensive investigation on any zoonotic and emerging disease of health and economic importance. In the pipeline are the development of diagnostic kits and vaccines to enhance the control of diseases.

  • Collectively, has published more than 250 manuscripts in cited and impact journals, proceedings along with awards in several scientific expositions, several patents and h-indices of more than 20. Currently, 39 postgraduate students are doing research related to zoonotic pathogens.

  • Many of the team members has been engaged as experts in national (DVS, Minsitry of Health, Dept of Agriculture, Forestry etc) and international (OIE, FAO, WHO) program involving such diseases

  • Among major involvements to the nation include surveillance program on Nipah virus, HPAI, TB, Leptospirosis, Brucellosis and Q-fever

  • The university has several laboratories (basic and advance microbiology, biotechnology and pathology) that are equipped with many state-of-the-art technology in rapid detection and effective surveillance of zoonotic and emerging disease

  • Research laboratories of various disciplines are available which include Animal Research Facility, Laboratory Animal Colony, University Veterinary Hospital, Taman Pertanian UPM and Satellite Animal Farms

  • The networking and linkages include having visiting professors from Cornell University (USA), Utrecht University (The Netherlands), Free University of Berlin (Germany), University of Glasgow (UK), University of Georgia (USA) and Universitas Air Langgar (Indonesia).


Research Grant:

  1. Molecular epidemiology and multilocus genotyping of the emerging zoonotic malaria parasite (Plasmodium knowlesi) in Peninsular Malaysia. FRGS, RM160,000
  2. Pathology and pathogenesis of Brucella melitensis infection in goats. FRGS, RM50, 000
  3. Molecular characterisation of H1N1 swine influenza virus (SIV) and Japanese Encephalities (JE) virus in Malaysia wild boar. RUGS, RM 38,000
  4. Molecular epidemiology and pathogenicity of Rhodococcus equi in horse farms in Malaysia. RUGS, RM 126,000
  5. Tuberculosis in captive elephant (Elephas maximus) in Peninsular Malaysia - RUGS, RM 30,000
  6. Tick-borne emerging infectious disease - collaboration with UMRG program, RM549,500
  7. Brucellosis in goats - MOSTI RM 2.1 million

 

Recent Publications:

1. Noordin, M.N., Gan, C.H. and Ong, B.L. (2000)
Nipah virus infection of pigs in Peninsular Malaysia. Rev. Sci. Tech. Off. Int. Epiz. 2000, 19, pp. 160-165.

2. Noordin, M.M., Shahirudin, S., Zeenathul, A., Arshad, A.A. & Kamarudin, A.I (2009).
Emerging diseases of goats in Malaysia. The 1st Malaysian Association of Veterinary Pathologist Conference, 15-17 May 2009, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.

3. Plumeriastuti H, Zamri-Saad M (2012).
Detection of Brucella melitensis in seropositive goats. Online Journal of Veterinary Research 16(1): 1-7

4. Shah, A.H., A.A. Saleha, Z. Zunita and M. Murugaiyah (2011)
Arcobacter - an emerging threat to animals and animal origin food products. Trends in Food Science and Technology, 22 : 225 - 236

5. Yitbarek, G., Latiffah Hassan, Zunita Zakaria and Norina Lokman (2010)
Species distribution and resistance phenotypes of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus isolated from pigs in Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science, 33 : 15 - 25.