An analysis and monitoring of plague host animails and species of its vectors in Guangzhou from 2001 to 2010

Objectives In this study,the constitution,distribution and population densities of plague host animails and vectors in Guangzhou were analyzed.Such information can be used to formulate policies and plans for the prevention and control of plague.Methods Rodents were captured by cages which were placed in the evening at different locations in the 12 districts,counties of Guangzhou.The rodents which had been captured and the fleas living on the rodents' body were studied.Then the population densities of rodents,percentage of rodents carrying fleas,and flea index were calculated.Plague F1 antibody was tested by IHA.Results A total of 8891 rodents,which belonged to 2 orders(including 8 285 Rodentia and 606 Insectivora),2 families,4 genera and 9 species,were captured in 10 years time.The total density of rodents(the rate of the captured) was 11.29%.243 out of 1185 rodents were found to have fleas.The 811 fleas collected belonged to 4 species,mainly Xenopsylla cheopis.The percentage of rodents carrying fleas was 20.51%,and the total flea index was 0.68.Plague F1 antibody was negative.Conclusions There was no evidence of plague exposure in rodents in Guangzhou.The major rodent species in Guangzhou was Rattus norvegicus,and the major flea species was Xenopsylla cheopis.