Objective To investigate the species, composition and infection with Yersinia pestis of parasitical fleas on Myospalax aspalax bodies and their role in the epidemic of rodent plague in Hebei province, providing a scientific basis for the better control of rodent plague. Methods Parasitical fleas on the bodies of M. aspalax were collected and classified with Y. pestis isolated. Results Nine species of fleas belonging to 7 genera and 3 families were found in the present study. No Y. pestis was isolated from the 111 M. aspalax and the cultures of 715 fleas in 68 groups by microbiological tests, with the Y. pestis specific antibody negative in 88 serum samples from M. aspalax. Conclusion There are a great number of fleas on the body of M. aspalax that can be infected with Y. pestis naturally, with Amphipsylla daea being the dominant parasitical flea, which may be involved in plague epidemics.

Objective To identify palatable baits for Myospalax aspalax for the basis of poisonous baits during the pairing season. Methods M. aspalax were fed with different baits such as carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, corns, peanuts and naked oats in laboratory for comparison of palatability. Results The palatability index of carrots to potatoes, sweet potatoes, corns, peanuts and naked oats were 0.65, 0.36, 0.39, 0.25 and 0.44 when feeding alone, and 0.50, 0.90, 0.01, 0.21 and 0.13 when group feeding, respectively. Carrots were the best bait, followed by potatoes and sweet potatoes, while corns, peanuts and naked oats were of poor palatability. Conclusion Carrots, potatoes and sweet potatoes are good ingredients for the preparation of poisonous baits for killing M. aspalax.

Objective To evaluate the killing effect of aluminum phosphide and bromadiolone bait on Spermophilus dauricus, and compare the two agents in terms of their killing effect on rodents. Methods All rat holes in the experimental area were plugged before the experiment. Based on calculation of the effective holes the next day, rodentcidal agents were put in the holes, with protection zones set up between and around each of the plots. Results The killing effect of aluminum phosphide was good each month of the study, with maximum corrected efficacy rate greater than 90%. The killing effect of 0.005% bromadiolone bait was better in May to June than in July to September, with the corrected efficacy rates being more than 90% and less than 75%, respectively. Conclusion Aluminum phosphide has a strong killing effect on S. dauricus the entire active season, while 0.005% bromadiolone bait shows good efficacy against the rodent only in May and June.

【Abstract】 Carry out the plague prevention and control measures, increase the emergency handing ability of professionals, prevent and control effectively the occurrence of plague and assure the public health security of country according to the epidemic situation of plague in Hebei province trend and its geographic position by making the plague integrated control measure, publicizing the knowledge of killing rats, the evaluation of control efficacy, professionals training and actual simulated training.