[Monitoring the Microtus fuscus plague epidemic in Sichuan province during 2000-2008].

Objective To analyze the epidemic tendency of Microtus fascus plague during 2000-2008 in Sichuan province. Methods To investigate the plague each year according to "overall Plan of the Plague in the Whole Nation" and "Surveillance Program of Sichuan Province Plague". Results There were plague epidemic from 2000 to 2008, with the average density as 312.41/ha. 42.57% of the Microtus fuscus were infected by body Fleas. The Fleas Index was 0.88 and the Index for nest Fleas of Microtas fuscus was 55.89. Six kinds of animals were infected by not only the Microtus fuscus but also herd-dog, sand fox, Tibetan sheep, domestic cats and Cricetulus longicaulatus as well. The positive rate of live Microtus fuscus was 0.32% but 22.99% in the dead Microtus fuscus. The overall positive rate on serological test was 6.70%. There were 4 Sections, 11 species and 19 kinds Fleas identified and carrying 3 kinds of fleas, Callopsylla sparsilis, Amphipsylla tntua tutua and Rhadinopsylla dahurica vicina, with the overall infection rate as 0.054%. Conclusion Plague among Microtus fuscus showed a continuous epidemic in Sichuan province during 2000-2008. Key words: Microtus fuscus;  Plague animal disease;  Monitor