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Borneo International Journal eISSN 2636-9826
Articles
Submitted: 2022-06-09
Published: 2022-09-14

A Study on Public Awareness on Meat Borne Parasites in Malaysia

Veterinary Research Institute (VRI), 59, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 31400 Ipoh, Perak, MALAYSIA
Veterinary Research Institute (VRI), 59, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 31400 Ipoh, Perak, MALAYSIA
Veterinary Research Institute (VRI), 59, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 31400 Ipoh, Perak, MALAYSIA
Veterinary Research Institute (VRI), 59, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 31400 Ipoh, Perak, MALAYSIA
Food safety; meat inspection; meat borne parasite; public awareness; zoonotic

Abstract

The protozoan and helminth of meat borne parasites can be transmitted through ingestion of raw or undercooked infected meat. A survey was performed to determine the public awareness and understanding of meat borne parasites, their effect and the importance of meat inspection in ensuring food safety. A total of 508 respondents were involved in the survey that was conducted from November 2020 to March 2021. The results showed that 90.8% of the respondents were aware of the presence of the parasites in the meat. Among all 79.7% knows that the parasites are zoonotic, however, 37.7% unfamiliar with the specific disease. The expectation that the disease may cause mortality in humans and animals was moderate at 59.4% and 66.9%, respectively. A 90.7% thought that the infection in animals will cause economic loss to the farmers. In terms of meat inspection, 79.7% believed that all the meat was strictly inspected and 74.0% were confident that it is safe for consumption. Based on the findings, shows a great level of awareness regarding the meat borne parasites among respondents. However, the understanding of the specific zoonotic diseases can be improved. Transfer of knowledge can be performed through several platforms such as exhibitions, posters and articles towards reducing the zoonotic occurrence of meat borne parasitic diseases by educating the public on the transmission and prevention of specific diseases.

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How to Cite

Zainalabidin, F. A., Mohd Amir, A. M., Bathmanaban, P., & Ismail, E. A. (2022). A Study on Public Awareness on Meat Borne Parasites in Malaysia. Borneo International Journal EISSN 2636-9826, 5(2), 23–29. Retrieved from https://majmuah.com/journal/index.php/bij/article/view/259