BRIN researcher Ristianto said Tuesday the study is taking place in the Jalan Pucang Wangi settlement, Manisrejo Urban Village, Taman Sub-District, Madiun City.
The research is scheduled to last five days and is carried out in cooperation with the Madiun City Health Office to support public health efforts.
“Our goal is to help keep Madiun City healthy and resilient against infectious disease threats,” Ristianto said.
In the initial phase, BRIN and Health Office teams captured 13 rats overnight, including sewer rats, shrews, piti rats, and house mice.
Organ samples—liver, lungs, kidneys, and blood—will be tested using PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) to detect Rickettsia typhi.
“Preliminary results show the situation is under control, although the rat population remains relatively high. Laboratory tests are ongoing, and we expect results by mid to late November 2025,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dhia Irfan Hanif, Surveillance Program manager at Madiun City Health Office, welcomed the research.
He said it supports the city’s efforts to raise awareness about animal-borne diseases and maintain environmental cleanliness.
“We hope the findings will guide follow-up actions by the Health Office to prevent potential infectious diseases carried by these animals,” Hanif said.
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Translator: Louis Rika Stevani, Katriana
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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