A collaborative research project between the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Brawijaya University, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), and the Veterinary Instrument Standard Testing Centre involved 12 students. The research theme focused on zoonotic diseases present in rats. While this study does not provide exhaustive answers to all questions related to the topic, it represents a crucial first step in enhancing research quality at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Brawijaya University.
This initiative also serves as part of a collaborative programme with the Malang City Food Security and Agriculture Office, which provided recommendations for determining the research samples.
Under the independent research scheme, in collaboration with Mira Fatmawati, a lecturer at the Veterinary Public Health Laboratory (Kesmavet), the sampling scope was divided among rats collected from markets, residential areas, reptile feed sources, and laboratory rat culls. A total of 121 samples, including rat blood, intestines, faeces, and kidneys, were collected for testing against Salmonellosis, Leptospirosis, Nematodes, Cestodes, and Trypanosomiasis.
Upon arriving in Bogor, the students were divided into two teams: the Parasitology Laboratory and the Bacteriology Laboratory.
Bacteriology Laboratory Team
- Members: Amara Minahushifa Al Khamim (225130107111021), Arlyn Cahyarani Ananda (225130101111010), Salma Nur Salsabila (225130100111011), Vincent Andrian Halim (215130100111070), Septa Latifa Qolbi (225130100111007), and Rr. Pinkan Ayriko H. (225130100111008).
- Research Focus: Identification and molecular testing of Salmonellosis and optimisation of Leptospirosis detection.
- Supervisors: Drh. Lynda Nugrahaning Imanjati, M.Sc., and Drh. Zaki Aminullah.
Parasitology Laboratory Team
- Members: Muhammad Attar Fahrezi (225130107111032), Ari Vithon Khasib Mubarok (225130101111043), Hendra Wijaya (225130107111012), Ammar Zain Al Fikri (225130107111015).
- Research Focus: Development of Trypanosomiasis testing and identification of Atypical Human Trypanosomiasis.
- Supervisors: MSc Drh. Didik Tulus Subekti, M.Kes., and Drh. Dyah Ayu Kurniawati, M.Si.
Cestode and Nematode Identification Team
- Members: Khalisya Adeliani (225130100111026) and Renafra Rahma Ayuni (225130107111077).
- Supervisors: Drh. Nanis Nurhidayah and Drh. Fitrine Ekawasti, M.Sc.
The selection of students for involvement in this research was limited to those transitioning from Semester 5 to Semester 6, as the project aims for international publication. The research design, from initiation to publication, is estimated to take one and a half years. Therefore, if the study begins now, within the next two semesters, students will be able to proceed with submission, review, and eventual publication in an international journal. This aligns with UB STAR (Student Academic Research Scheme), supporting student engagement in academic research.
Sample preparation was conducted from November to late December before the testing phase in Bogor on 23 December 2024. The students were actively involved in drafting the research proposal, preparing samples, and conducting the tests.
On the first day in Bogor, the research topics were re-mapped to refine their focus. The re-mapping session was guided by Drh. Didik Tulus Subekti, M.Kes., who provided direction for the adjustments needed in the research scope.
