An epidemiological analysis on the animal plague in Golmud from 2006 to 2023

ZHANG Honglin; MA Denghua; KANG Dongmei; CHEN Yongming; LAN Xiaoyu; ZHAO Ming

doi:10.19821/j.1671-2781.2025.05.021

Abstract：Objective To analyze the monitoring of host animals and vectors in the natural plague focus of Golmud,Qinghai from 2006 to 2023,and explore the epidemic trend of animal plague,so as to provide prediction and early warning for the occurrence of animal plague in this area.Methods According to the National Plague Surveillance Program,the host animals and vectors collected from the natural plague foci in Golmud were identified,the serum of the host animals was tested for immunology,and the data were described and analyzed by Excel 2010 software.Results The cumulative monitoring area of Marmota himalayana was 37 020 hm2 from 2006 to 2023,with an average density of 0.05 animals/hm2,and there were 6 years with a higher density than the average.The seasonal fluctuation of M.himalayana was obvious,with the lowest density in May(only 0.03 animals/hm2),and higher density in summer and autumn(0.05 animals/hm2 from June to September).A total of 1 994 living M.himalayana were detected,and 174 fleas were collected,belonging to 2 families,3 genera and 3 species.The average flea infection rate was 4.86%and the average flea index was 0.087.There were 5 years with a higher flea infection rate than the average.The seasonal fluctuation of the average flea infection rate in rodents was obvious,with a higher rate in summer and autumn.A total of 3 050 small rodents were captured,belonging to 2 orders,2 families,4 genera,4 species,with an average capture rate of 6.62%.Ochotona alpina was the dominant species.2 994 Ochotona alpina were detected,of which 73 rodents with fleas.The average flea infection rate was 2.44%,the average flea index was 0.03.80 fleas were captured,belonging to 4 families,4 genera and 4 species.Amphalius clarus was the dominant flea species.4 375 serum samples were detected,with a positive rate of 0.16%.Conclusions The density of the main host animal,M.himalayana,and the capture rate of small rodents in Golmud were both high.It is necessary to alert to the occurrence of animal plague,strengthen animal plague surveillance,and improve prediction and early warning capabilities.