Host animal surveillance in plague focus of Marmota sibirica in Hulunbeir plateau, 2009–2018

Abstract

ObjectiveTo analyze host animal surveillance results in plague focus of Marmota sibirica from 2009 2018 in inner Mongolia, and provide evidence for the prevention and control of plague. MethodsThe surveillance was conducted according to National Plague Surveillance Protocol”and enforcement regulation. The plague surveillance results reported by Hulunbeir City Center for Disease Prevention and Control and the data reported through the Information Management System of Plague Prevention and Control in surveillance area from 2009 2018 were collected for descriptive epidemiological analysis and rank-sum test. ResultsFrom 2009 2018, a total of 6 535 rodents of 11 species, 10 genera, 5 families and 2 orders were captured, i.e. Spermophilus dauricus, Marmota sibirica, Phodopus sungarus, Allactaga sibirica, Meriones unguiculatus, Cricetulus barabensis, Lasiopodomys brandtii, Mus musculus, Ochotona dauurica, Microtus gregalis and Rattus norvegicus. The average density of the main host Marmota sibirica was 0.07/km2, ranging from 0.16/km2 0.02/km2. The number of Marmota sibiricas observed or captured in Chenbaerhu banner accounted for 95.80% of the total; The average density of Spermophilus dauricus was 0.50/km2 and the difference in its density among different areas was significant (χ2＝10.380, P＝0.006). The flea infection rate was 29.61% and the body flea index was 1.06. Eleven plague positive serum samples of Spermophilus dauricus were detected in Xinbaerhuyou banner of Manzhouli with highest titer of 1∶1 280. ConclusionThe overall density of Marmota sibiricas in Hulunbuir is kept at a low level. Spermophilus dauricus has become the predominant rodent specie which carries high titer plague antibody, suggesting that there is an epidemic of animal plague and it is necessary strengthen the surveillance and control of animal and human plague.