Objective: To evaluate the application of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) in fly species identification, to investigate the effects of sample storage modes, sex, and body parts on the species identification of adult fly samples, and to establish a standardized MALDI-TOF MS protocol for fly identification, and provide a foundation for the development of a new method for fly identification. Methods: Musca domestica, Chrysomya megacephala, and Lucilia sericata were used as experimental materials. Adult flies were stored either by freezing at -20 ℃ or by desiccation with silica gel at room temperature. Proteins were subsequently extracted from whole specimens and from different body parts. Peptide mass fingerprints of whole flies and their heads, thoraxes (legs and wings removed), abdomens, legs, wings, and heads with thoraxes were obtained using MS to establish a reference fingerprint database for fly species identification. The effects of sample storage modes, sex, and body parts on MS spectra quality were evaluated through similarity comparison of MS spectra and cluster analysis, and their impact on identification accuracy was assessed by internal cross-validation. Independent sample t tests were respectively performed to compare identification scores between storage modes and between sexes. Results: Intraspecific consistency and interspecific specificity were observed in the MS profiles obtained from adult males and females of M. domestica, C. megacephala, and L. sericata. Cluster analysis showed that all samples clustered by species and formed no subclusters based on storage mode (-20 ℃ or desiccation with silica gel) or sex (male or female). Internal cross-validation within the database yielded identification scores>1.8. The MS profiles of the heads, thoraxes (legs and wings removed), abdomens, legs, wings, and heads with thoraxes from the three fly species also exhibited intraspecific consistency and interspecific specificity. In the cluster analysis, cross-clustering between the thorax (legs and wings removed) samples of C. megacephala and L. sericata was observed. However, after heads with thoraxes data were incorporated, all parts clustered strictly by species. The results of internal cross-validation within the database revealed that, for each of the three fly species, one abdomen sample had an identification score<1.8. Internal cross-validation of the 156 samples in the database showed that the MALDI-TOF MS identification results were consistent with those of morphological and molecular biological identification. Conclusion: Storage mode (dry preservation at room temperature or by freezing at -20 ℃) and sex showed no effects on spectral characterization and identification accuracy. The head, thorax (legs and wings removed), legs, wings, and heads with thoraxes of adult flies can be used for MALDI-TOF MS identification of flies.

Objective: To establish hematological reference intervals for Marmota himalayana, Ochotona curzoniae, and Canis lupus familiaris in the Altun Mountains area, China, and to analyze sex differences in major hematological parameters, so as to provide baseline data for regional animal health assessment and early warning of zoonotic diseases. Methods: Blood samples were collected from M. himalayana, O. curzoniae, and C. l. familiaris in the Altun Mountains area from April to October in 2024 and 2025. Adult healthy individuals were selected based on unified inclusion and exclusion criteria. After blood collection, 23 hematological parameters were measured. The 95% reference intervals were established following the guidelines of the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology, and sex differences were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: A total of 196 M. himalayana, 149 O. curzoniae, and 90 C. l. familiaris were included, and the 95% reference intervals for 23 hematological parameters were established for the three animal species. The absolute monocyte count in M. himalayana was significantly higher in males [(0.01-3.58)×10⁹/L] than in females [(0.01-1.69)×10⁹/L] (U=3 893.000, P=0.043). In O. curzoniae, both the red blood cell distribution width coefficient of variation (females: 12.80%-20.36%; males: 12.43%-21.93%) and the red blood cell distribution width standard deviation (females: 23.36-38.55 fL; males: 22.04-37.39 fL) were significantly higher in females than in males (both P<0.05). In C. l. familiaris, the red blood cell count [95% reference interval for males: (4.10-8.89)×10¹²/L; measured range for females: (4.43-9.18)×10¹²/L], hemoglobin (95% reference interval for males: 113.30-227.90 g/L; measured range for females: 107.00-201.50 g/L), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (95% reference interval for males: 21.21-30.33 pg; measured range for females: 17.00-26.25 pg), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (95% reference interval for males: 268.90-518.10 g/L; measured range for females: 263.00-423.50 g/L) were all significantly higher in males than in females (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Based on a relatively large sample size, this study simultaneously established hematological reference intervals for M. himalayana, O. curzoniae, and C. l. familiaris in the Altun Mountains area and preliminarily revealed sex-based differences in several parameters, thereby providing reliable baseline data for regional animal health surveillance and early warning of plague and other zoonotic diseases.

Objective: To investigate the plasmid deficiency of Yersinia pestis strains in China, and analyze their genetic characteristics, so as to provide a theoretical basis and technical support for optimizing plague diagnostic techniques. Methods: The fraction 1 capsular antigen (F1 antigen) was detected in 1 010 Y. pestis strains from China using colloidal gold immunochromatography and reverse indirect hemagglutination test (RIHA). Strains without pMT1 plasmid were phenotypically verified by plague bacteriophage lysis test, sugar and alcohol fermentation tests, and virulence factor identification [F1 antigen, pigmentation factor (Pgm), pesticin Ⅰ (PstⅠ), and V/M antigen]. BALB/c mice were used for virulence determination. Primers were designed based on representative genes of the pMT1 and pPCP1 plasmids according to the CO92 genome sequence published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information. PCR amplification was performed on DNA from pMT1-deficient strains for genetic verification, followed by whole-genome sequencing. With Y. pestis (Nepal 516, CO92, 91001) and Y. pseudotuberculosis (YP Ⅲ) as references, sequence alignment was performed on chromosomes and plasmids, and strain biological characteristics were analyzed using comparative genomics methods. Results: The colloidal gold immunochromatography and RIHA detection results showed that the F1 antigen of a strain Z1 was negative. PCR amplification of the pMT1 plasmid in strain Z1 yielded no target band, while PCR amplification of the pPCP1 plasmid produced a target band. Based on whole-genome sequencing analysis, no pMT1 plasmid sequences were detected. The plague bacteriophage lysis test was positive, the biovar was Antiqua, the biochemical type was Qinghai-Tibet Plateau type, F1 antigen was negative, Pgm was positive, Pst1 was positive, V/W antigen was negative, and the median lethal dose (LD₅₀) in mice was<10 CFU, indicating that it was a highly virulent Y. pestis strain. The sequence alignment results showed that it was Y. pestis rather than Y. pseudotuberculosis. Conclusions: Although the natural deficiency rate of the pMT1 plasmid is low among the screened Y. pestis strains, its deficiency can lead to the failure of traditional diagnostic methods such as colloidal gold immunochromatography, RIHA, and PCR. Genetically, the pMT1-deficient strain is primarily characterized by the loss of genes such as caf1 encoded by this plasmid, which affects the antigen expression and detection targets of Y. pestis. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a detection system involving multiple specific targets to improve the sensitivity and specificity of plague pathogen detection, effectively supplement or replace current diagnostic methods, and provide strong technical support for precise source tracing and rapid diagnosis of plague.

Objective: To analyze the epidemic situation of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), host animal population distribution, and pathogen carriage in Tiantai County, Zhejiang Province, and provide scientific basis for HFRS prevention and control. Methods: HFRS case data and host animal surveillance results from Tiantai County, Zhejiang Province, between 2020 and 2025 were collected from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention and Tiantai County Center for Disease Control and Preventron. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the epidemic characteristics and identify high-risk clusters. Differences in incidence rates between groups were tested using the Fisher's exact test, and trend analysis of incidence was performed using the Mann-Kendall trend test. Results: From 2020 to 2025, Tiantai County reported 22, 15, 13, 13, 13, and 7 HFRS cases, respectively, with a total of 83 cases. The average annual incidence was 3.07/100 000, with the peak in 2020 (5.42/100 000, 22 cases). No deaths occurred. The overall incidence showed a significant decreasing trend year by year (Z=-2.254, P=0.024). Cases were mainly male farmers aged>30 years living in rural areas. Cases occurred in all months, showing a clear bimodal distribution with peaks from May to July and from October to January of the following year, accounting for 79.52% (66/83) of all cases. Cases were concentrated in the plain townships along both sides of the Shifeng River, while no cases were reported in high-altitude mountainous areas. In host animal surveillance, a total of 1 244 small mammals were captured, with a total capture rate of 5.70%. The dominant species were Apodemus agrarius (689/1 244, 55.38%) and Rattus norvegicus (302/1 244, 24.28%). The Hantavirus carriage rate was 0.40% (5/1 244), and the Hantavirus antibody positive rate was 1.21% (15/1 244). Virus‑positive samples were mainly from A. agrarius (10) and Rattus tanezumi (8) captured outdoors. Conclusion: Although the HFRS epidemic in Tiantai County, Zhejiang Province showed a declining trend from 2020 to 2025, precise prevention and control measures should be implemented based on host animal surveillance results and target high-risk populations, high-incidence periods, and key areas to consolidate the early achievements in epidemic control.

Objective: To analyze the prevalence of four pathogens carried by rodents in different areas of Jining City, Shandong Province and the genomic characteristics of Hantavirus, so as to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of rodent-borne diseases. Methods: From 2023 to 2024, rodents were captured in Rencheng District, Jiaxiang County, and Jinxiang County of Jining City using the night-snap trapping method and glue trap method. Liver, spleen, kidney, and lung tissue samples were collected for the detection of four pathogens. TaqMan probe-based quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was used to detect Leptospira interrogans and Bartonella, and TaqMan probe-based RT-qPCR was used to detect Hantavirus and severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus. Excel 2019 and SPSS 19.0 softwares were used for statistical analysis, and the rates were compared using the Chi-square test. Whole-genome sequences were obtained by next-generation sequencing of nucleic acids from Hantavirus-positive samples. Sequence homology analysis was performed using DNASTAR Lasergene 11 software, and phylogenetic trees were constructed using MEGA 12 software. Results: A total of 447 rodents and 4 unidentified shrews of Sorex, which were grouped with rodents for statistical analysis due to their low numbers and frequent co-capture with rodents, were captured and tested. These included 308 Rattus norvegicus, 98 Mus musculus, 30 R. tanezumi, 8 Apodemus agrarius, 1 Niviventer confucianus, 1 R. rattus, and 1 Ondatra zibethicus. Twelve samples tested positive for L. interrogans, with a positivity rate of 2.66%; 11 samples tested positive for Hantavirus, with a positivity rate of 2.44%, all of which were identified as Seoul virus; and 1 sample tested positive for Bartonella, with a positivity rate of 0.22%. The pathogen infection rate was highest in R. norvegicus at 6.49%, with co-infections involving Hantavirus and L. interrogans, as well as L. interrogans and Bartonella. The positivity rates of Hantavirus in the four habitats of key industries, farmland, urban residential areas, and rural residential areas were 6.67% (3/45), 4.00% (2/50), 1.96% (1/51), and 1.81% (5/277), respectively, with no significant differences (χ²=4.098, P=0.251). The positivity rates of L. interrogans in the three habitats of farmland, urban residential areas, and rural residential areas were 6.00% (3/50), 5.88% (3/51), and 2.17% (6/277), respectively, with no significant differences (χ²=3.432, P=0.180). The pathogen positivity rates of rodents in Jinxiang County, Jiaxiang County, and Rencheng District were 6.17% (5/81), 5.53% (14/253), and 2.56% (3/117), respectively, with no significant differences (χ²=1.877, P=0.391). Five whole-genome sequences of Hantavirus were obtained, all of which belonged to the Seoul virus S3 subtype and showed high homology to strains isolated from Shandong and Jiangsu provinces. The amino acid sequences of the epitopes of the nucleoprotein and glycoprotein were consistent with the Z37 vaccine strain. Conclusions: Natural infections with Hantavirus, L. interrogans, and Bartonella were detected in rodents in the Jining. The circulating Hantavirus strains showed stable genotype and belonged to the Seoul virus S3 subtype, indicating that the vaccine was protective against the circulating strains. Surveillance of rodent-borne pathogens should be strengthened to reduce the transmission risk of rodent-borne diseases.

Objective: To characterize the community structure of rodents in different habitats in the Eighth Division Shihezi City, China in 2024, and reveal differences in pathogen carriage, so as to provide a scientific basis for assessing local rodent-borne disease risks and formulating prevention and control strategies. Methods: Representative sampling sites were established in different habitat types in the Eighth Division Shihezi City using typical sampling method to systematically capture rodent samples. Rodent sampling was conducted using quadrat sampling, night-trapping, and the 5-meter line trapping method. Tissue specimens from captured rodents were tested for nucleic acids of six pathogens using TaqMan probe-based quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR)/reverse transcription qPCR (RT-qPCR). Data were organized using Excel 2010 software, and statistical analyses were performed with SPSS 26.0 software. Differences in rodent community structure and pathogen carriage rates were compared using the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. When the difference was significant, pairwise comparisons were performed using the Bonferroni method for P-value adjustment. Results: A total of 366 rodents belonging to 7 species were captured from 11 sampling sites in the Eighth Division Shihezi City. Only Rattus norvegicus was captured in urban and peri-urban residential areas, Mus musculus and R. norvegicus were captured in the residential areas of regimental farms, and all 7 rodent species were captured in the wild desert area. The species distribution of rodents varied significantly among different habitats (χ²=306.358, P<0.001). Additionally, 207 rodents tested positive for Bartonella, with a positive rate of 56.56%. Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus, Leptospira, Hantavirus, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, and Yersinia pestis were not detected. Meriones meridianus had the highest Bartonella positive rate (73.09%, 201/275), and the difference among rodent species was significant (P<0.001). Bartonella was detected in rodents from the two habitats of peri-urban area and wild desert area, with positive rates of 15.79% (3/19) and 67.77% (204/301), respectively, and the difference between habitats was significant (P<0.001). Conclusions: The rodent community structure varies significantly among different habitats in the Eighth Division Shihezi City. Bartonella is widely prevalent among rodents, with significant variations in positive rates among rodent species and habitats. These findings provide an important scientific basis for region-specific optimization of rodent-borne disease prevention and control and for reducing the risk of human infection.

Objective: To investigate the current status of resistance of Aedes albopictus larvae and adults to commonly used insecticides in Dazhou City and their field efficacy against mosquitoes, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the selection of insecticides in mosquito control for the prevention and management of mosquito-borne infectious diseases such as dengue fever and chikungunya fever. Methods: In August 2025, Ae. albopictus were collected from all counties (county-level cities and districts) of Dazhou City, and their resistance to insecticides was monitored using the larval immersion method for larvae and the WHO tube test for adults. Five residential communities with similar building scales, environmental facilities, green coverage, Ae. albopictus breeding conditions, and backgrounds of insecticide use were selected, with one serving as the control area. Field mosquito control was conducted using the same insecticides employed for resistance monitoring. Each insecticide formulation was applied simultaneously by residual spraying, space spraying, and thermal fogging, at the dosages and in the site types specified on the label, across all distinct areas within each plot. SPSS 26.0 software was used to calculate the median lethal concentrations (LC₅₀) and their 95% confidence intervals for larvae through Probit regression analysis. The Chi-square test or Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test was applied to compare the relative density reduction rates of Ae. albopictus after treatments with different insecticides. Results: Resistance surveillance revealed that Ae. albopictus larvae were sensitive to Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) [resistance ratio (RR)=0.93] but showed low resistance to temephos (RR=3.08). Adult Ae. albopictus showed sensitivity to 1.4% alpha-cypermethrin, 0.2% bendiocarb, and 0.2% fenitrothion (mortality rates=98.63%, 98.68%, and 98.70%), and demonstrated possible resistance to 0.08% beta-cypermethrin (corrected mortality rate=95.16%). In field experiments, the relative density reduction rate of Bti for larvae (85.70%) was significantly higher than that of temephos (55.02%) (χ²=93.169, P<0.001). The relative density reduction rates among the four insecticides for adult mosquitoes showed significant differences (χ²=56.898, P<0.001). The reduction rates of alpha-cypermethrin (88.82%), fenitrothion (96.05%), and bendiocarb (92.91%) were all significantly higher than that of beta-cypermethrin (65.33%) (χ²=16.963, 42.974, 29.054, all P<0.001). Conclusions: Bti, alpha-cypermethrin, bendiocarb, and fenitrothion, to which susceptibility was observed in resistance surveillance in Dazhou City, were more effective in field mosquito control than temephos and beta-cypermethrin, to which resistance was recorded, and can therefore be used for the chemical control of Ae. albopictus in Dazhou City. The results of this insecticide resistance surveillance have successfully guided the field mosquito control efforts in Dazhou City.

Objective: To investigate the resistance of Culex pipiens pallens larvae to common used insecticides in Tonghua City, Jilin Province, so as to provide a scientific basis for local mosquito control. Methods: Larvae of Cx. pipiens pallens were collected from Ji'an County-level City and Dongchang District in Tonghua City in August 2025. Larvae at the late third instar and the early fourth instar were selected for resistance determination by the larval immersion method. SPSS 27.0 software was used for statistical analysis of the data, and Probit analysis was used to calculate regression equations. Results: Cx. pipiens pallens larvae in Ji'an City showed high resistance to alpha-cypermethrin [resistance ratio (RR)=43.00], low resistance to beta-cypermethrin, permethrin, propoxur, deltamethrin, dichlorvos, and temephos (RR=6.91, 5.92, 5.10, 4.72, 4.08, 3.50, respectively), and susceptibility to chlorpyrifos and Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) (RR=1.08, 0.26, respectively). Cx. pipiens pallens larvae in Dongchang District showed moderate resistance to deltamethrin and alpha-cypermethrin (RR=19.92, 12.00, respectively), low resistance to permethrin (RR=4.67), and susceptibility to temephos, beta-cypermethrin, Bti, propoxur, dichlorvos and chlorpyrifos (RR=2.75, 2.51, 1.47, 1.01, 0.83, 0.46, respectively). Compared with 2016, the larvae in Dongchang District showed a shift from low resistance (RR=3.71) to moderate resistance to deltamethrin, and a shift from susceptibility (RR=0.34) to low resistance to permethrin in 2025. The larvae remained susceptible to beta-cypermethrin, but the RR increased by 96.09%. The larvae showed a shift from low resistance (RR=3.09) to susceptibility to temephos. Compared with 2021, the larvae showed a shift from low resistance (RR=3.53) to susceptibility to propoxur in 2025. The larvae remained susceptible to beta-cypermethrin and temephos, but their RRs increased by 1.89 times and 57.14%, respectively. Conclusions: Cx. pipiens pallens larvae in the two areas of Tonghua City developed varying degrees of resistance to pyrethroid insecticides and organophosphates such as dichlorvos and temephos, but were susceptible to chlorpyrifos, propoxur, and Bti. During mosquito control, mosquito density and insecticide resistance monitoring should be carried out regularly, environmental management should be strengthened, chemical insecticides should be used scientifically and rationally, and biological insecticides should be used appropriately to delay the development of chemical insecticide resistance.

Objective: To investigate the tachinid resources in Wuyishan National Park and provide a reference and data support for research on Diptera biodiversity. Methods: Resource surveys of tachinids in Wuyishan National Park were conducted in May 2021 and from June to July 2022 using the sweep netting method. A species checklist was compiled through the sorting, examination, classification, and identification of insect specimens. Results: A total of over 500 tachinid specimens were collected, representing 4 subfamilies, 18 tribes, 47 genera, and 79 species. These included one species newly recorded in China (Blepharella nigra Mesnil, 1967) and 41 species newly recorded in Fujian Province. Conclusion: The baseline information on tachinids in Wuyishan National Park was preliminarily clarified, and the checklist of newly recorded species of tachinids in Fujian Province was supplemented.

Objective: To clarify the occurrence patterns and variation trends in the population density, distribution, and seasonal dynamics of Aedes albopictus in different zoogeographical regions of Chinese mainland, so as to provide a basis for the scientific application of population surveillance data. Methods: Based on the surveillance data of Ae. albopictus collected by the human-baited double-net method from 58 national surveillance sites in 2023, the overall density and seasonal fluctuation characteristics were analyzed. The surveillance sites were classified according to the zoogeographical regions of China, and the differences in population density, spatial distribution, and seasonal fluctuation of Ae. albopictus among different regions were compared. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 27.0. Differences in the bed net trap index among groups were compared using one-way ANOVA, or by Friedman M and Kruskal-Wallis H non-parametric tests following data transformation. Factors affecting the bed net trap index were analyzed using two-way ANOVA. Results: In 2023, the annual average net trapping index of Ae. albopictus by the human-baited double-net method nationwide was 1.75 mosquitoes/(net·h). The annual seasonal variation curve was unimodal, with the peak occurring in August at 2.89 mosquitoes/(net·h). The population densities of Ae. albopictus varied significantly among surveillance sites in different zoogeographical regions (H=11.234, P=0.024). The annual average net trapping indices in the Northeast China Region and Southwest China Region were low and similar, at 0.33 and 0.31 mosquitoes/(net·h), respectively. The North China Region and South China Region had the same annual average net trapping index of 1.62 mosquitoes/(net·h). The Central China Region had the highest annual average net trapping index of 1.98 mosquitoes/(net·h). Regarding seasonal fluctuation, the mosquito density in the North China Region showed a unimodal pattern with obvious fluctuation. Both the Central China Region and South China Region exhibited a bimodal pattern. In terms of habitat distribution preference, the Central China Region had the highest annual average net trapping index of 2.44 mosquitoes/(net·h) in residential areas, whereas the North China Region and South China Region had the highest indices of 1.92 and 2.47 mosquitoes/(net·h) in park and bamboo forest habitats, respectively. Conclusions: Ae. albopictus is mainly distributed in the North China, Central China, and South China regions in China. It is not found in the Inner Mongolia-Xinjiang region and the areas to its north and west. The population density, habitat distribution, and seasonal fluctuation of Ae. albopictus exhibit specific patterns across different zoogeographical regions of China, and each region has its own habitat preference characteristics. It is recommended that the analysis and application of mosquito vector population surveillance data should take the zoogeographical regions of China into account.

Objective: To establish the monitoring thresholds and epidemic intensity assessment system for tsutsugamushi disease in Guangzhou City, so as to provide a scientific basis for formulating graded prevention and control strategies. Methods: Weekly reported incidence data of tsutsugamushi disease in Guangzhou from 2016 to 2024 were obtained from the Infectious Disease Surveillance System of the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. The moving epidemic method (MEM) was applied to construct MEM models for the summer and autumn seasons by selecting the optimal δ values. Cross-validation was employed to evaluate model fitting performance, and the epidemic levels of tsutsugamushi disease in Guangzhou from 2016 to 2024 were further assessed. Results: The maximum Youden's index values of the fitted summer and autumn models in Guangzhou were 0.89 and 0.73, respectively, with corresponding optimal δ values of 2.50% and 4.30%. In summer, both the epidemic onset and end thresholds of incidence rate were 0.07/100 000, and the thresholds for moderate, high, and very high epidemic intensity were 0.22/100 000, 0.30/100 000, and 0.35/100 000, respectively. In autumn, the epidemic onset and end thresholds were 0.11/100 000 and 0.09/100 000, respectively, and the thresholds for moderate, high, and very high epidemic intensity were 0.17/100 000, 0.26/100 000, and 0.31/100 000, respectively. The peak incidence rate of autumn epidemic in 2016 was 0.36/100 000, indicating a very high epidemic level. The summer epidemic peaks in 2016, 2017, and 2020 were 0.31/100 000, 0.32/100 000, and 0.29/100 000, respectively, all indicating a high epidemic level. The summer epidemic peaks in 2018, 2021, and 2022 were 0.28/100 000, 0.28/100 000, and 0.29/100 000, respectively, and the autumn epidemic peaks from 2017 to 2021 were 0.22/100 000, 0.23/100 000, 0.23/100 000, 0.25/100 000, and 0.18/100 000, respectively, all indicating a moderate epidemic level. The summer epidemic peaks in 2019, 2023, and 2024 were 0.20/100 000, 0.20/100 000, and 0.19/100 000, respectively, and the autumn epidemic peaks in 2023 and 2024 were 0.17/100 000 and 0.13/100 000, respectively, all indicating a low epidemic level. Conclusions: MEM was used to establish incidence threshold models for summer and autumn epidemics of tsutsugamushi disease in Guangzhou. The models had relatively high Youden's index values and showed good evaluation performance. The assessment showed that the epidemic intensity of tsutsugamushi disease in Guangzhou generally declined in 2016-2024. Among them, autumn 2016 was at a very high epidemic level, and summers 2017 and 2020 were both at a high epidemic level. In recent years, the disease entered a low epidemic state. The establishment of these models can provide a scientific basis for monitoring epidemic levels of tsutsugamushi disease in Guangzhou and implementing graded prevention and control measures.

Objective: To investigate the species composition, distribution, and species diversity of rodents in the human settlements and surrounding areas of Jinhua City, Zhejiang Province, and to provide a reference for the prevention and control of rodent-borne diseases in this region. Methods: Data were sourced from the vector and the plague surveillance. The trap/cage-night method was used for the investigation. Monitoring data from 2021 to 2025 were selected. After eliminating outliers and duplicate sites, the species constituent ratio, Margalef index, Shannon-Wiener index, Simpson index, and Pielou index were calculated to analyze the rodent community structure in different habitats and indoor/outdoor environments. Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis H test were used for diversity analysis. Results: A total of 1 510 small mammalls were captured, comprising 11 species, 9 genera, 3 families, and 2 orders. 1 361 individuals of Rodents (Rodentia), belonging to 10 species, 8 genera and 2 families; 149 individuals of Eulipotyphla, consisting of 1 species, 1 genera and 1 families. All individuals were classified as rodents in this study because of the small number of Eulipotyphla. In terms of species composition, Rattus norvegicus (496, 32.85%) accounted for the highest proportion, followed by Rattus tanezumi (308, 20.40%) and Apodemus agrarius (221, 14.64%). The greatest number of rodent species and individuals were captured in rural residential areas (1 086 individuals), followed by urban residential areas (313 individuals), and the fewest in key industries (111 individuals). The Margalef index, Shannon-Wiener index, Simpson index, and Pielou index of rural residential areas were the highest. There were significant differences in these indices among the three types of habitats (H=8.540, P=0.014; H=12.500, P=0.002; H=11.180, P=0.004; H=8.820, P=0.012). The indoor dominant species were R. norvegicus (244, 43.26%), R. tanezumi (207, 36.70%), and Mus musculus (75, 13.30%), while the outdoor dominant species were R. norvegicus (252, 26.64%), A. agrarius (218, 23.04%), and Eothenomys melanogaster (161, 17.02%). The Margalef index, Shannon-Wiener index, and Pielou index of rodents captured in outdoor environments were higher than those indoors, while the Simpson index was lower than that indoors, with no significant differences in all indices (all P > 0.05). Conclusions: The human settlements and surrounding areas in Jinhua City, Zhejiang Province, support a high diversity of rodent species and thus possess the potential to serve as foci for both domestic and wild rodent-borne epidemics. The monitoring, prevention, and control of local rodent-borne diseases should be strengthened.

Objective: To analyze the blood meal sources and community characteristics of blood meal hosts across different habitats in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, so as to provide a scientific basis for the precision prevention and control of mosquito-borne diseases. Methods: From July to September 2025, blood-engorged mosquitoes were collected from three habitat types (rural areas, residential areas, and parks) in Pudong New Area using BG-Traps and electric aspirators. Following morphological identification, nucleic acids were extracted from the mosquito abdomens, and high-throughput metagenomic sequencing was performed. Blood meal host species were identified by bioinformatics methods. Host diversity and community structure differences were evaluated using permutational multivariate analysis of variance in R 4.12.1 software. Results: A total of 7 768 adult mosquitoes were collected, including 654 blood-engorged females, with Culex pipiens pallens being the dominant blood-fed species (502/654, 76.76%). Across all three habitats, humans were the dominant blood meal hosts (relative abundance > 26.00%). At the mosquito species level, Aedes albopictus exhibited high anthropophily (relative abundance=76.16%), Cx. pipiens pallens predominantly fed on wild birds such as the Eurasian blackbird (Turdus merula) (relative abundance=50.19%), Armigeres subalbatus displayed a human-livestock/poultry dual-core feeding pattern, with the relative abundances of human and livestock/poultry blood being 15.66% and 43.72%, respectively (18.60% for Equus caballus, 16.18% for Gallus gallus, and 8.94% for G. sonneratii), Cx. tritaeniorhynchus had a broad host spectrum, feeding on hosts such as Homo sapiens (10.81%), Oryctolagus cuniculus (10.33%), E. caballus (10.00%), Bos taurus (8.16%), and Sus scrofa (4.15%). Hierarchical clustering heatmaps and principal coordinate analysis revealed that habitat type had limited macroscopic influence on the blood meal host community structure (R²=0.131, P=0.869). Permutational multivariate analysis of variance demonstrated that mosquito species identity was the key factor influencing the differences in blood meal host composition (R²=0.559, P=0.003). Conclusions: The intrinsic blood-feeding preference of individual mosquito species is the key driving force determining the variations in blood meal host composition of mosquitoes in Pudong New Area, while habitats exert a localized regulatory role through host availability. Precision prevention and control of mosquito-borne diseases should treat vector species as independent units and implement differentiated strategies tailored to their specific blood-feeding habits and breeding microenvironments.

Objective: To investigate effects of health intervention on residents' knowledge, attitudes and awareness, willingness to participate, and practices on rodent prevention and control, to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention, and to provide a basis for formulating rodent control strategies. Methods: From April to May 2022, stratified cluster sampling was used to select seven communities from four subdistricts under the jurisdiction of Jiang'an and Jianghan districts in Wuhan City, China. Based on community characteristic matching and the study design, the communities were divided into experimental communities (n=3) and control communities (n=4). A comprehensive intervention measures were implemented in the selected experimental communities, including curriculum training, thematic lectures, distribution of promotional brochures, and on-site guidance. A knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) questionnaire survey was then conducted among residents aged ≥18 years in both groups. The Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used to compare demographic characteristics, knowledge of rodent control, and attitudes and practices regarding rodent control between groups. Results: A total of 680 questionnaires were distributed, and 624 valid questionnaires (91.76%) were retrieved. Overall, 44.87% (280/624) of respondents considered the government the primary entity responsible for rodent control. The proportion of experimental community residents who opted for rodent invasion prevention (174/240, 72.50%) was significantly higher than that in the control community (132/384, 34.38%), with a statistically significant difference (χ²=42.950, P < 0.001). The reported household rodent infestation rate was lower in the experimental communities (36/240, 15.00%) than in the control communities (228/384, 59.38%) (χ²=119.151, P < 0.001). Residents in the experimental communities expressed greater confidence in rodent control (222/240, 92.50%) than those in the control communities (286/384, 74.48%) and the proportion of residents willing to pay for rodent control was higher in newly built residential areas (54/68, 79.41%) than in older residential areas (252/556, 45.32%) (all P < 0.001). Conclusion: Strengthening health education and behavioral interventions for vector prevention and control and raising public awareness of participation are of considerable value for achieving the long-term management of vectors.

Objective: To investigate the content of three metal elements and other related characteristics in the soil of the natural plague focus in Kangbao County and analyze the differences in soil characteristics between the natural plague focus and its surrounding area, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the precise prevention and control of plague in the natural plague foci of the northern grasslands of China. Methods: The content of Ca, Fe, K elements and physicochemical indicators in soil samples from two sampling sites (Sanfenchang and Houyangjuan) in the plague focus of Kangbao County were systematically detected and analyzed, and compared with the soil detection data from the non-plague focus of Xiaoxinzhuang Village, Shacheng Town in 2024. Data collation and statistical analysis were performed using Excel 2010 and SPSS 19.0 softwares. The independent samples t-test or Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare data between the two groups. Multiple groups of data were compared using one-way analysis of variance. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationship among soil characteristic data. Results: Compared with the soil detection results of Xiaoxinzhuang Village in Shacheng Town [Fe content: (34 638.87±5 790.10) mg/kg; Ca content: (13 599.23±1 505.38) mg/kg], the Fe content [(23 456.8±5 059.73) mg/kg] was significantly lower (Z=4.521, P < 0.001), the Ca content [(18 817.07±2 919.59) mg/kg] was significantly higher (t=12.342, P < 0.001), and there was no significant difference in K content (t=-1.973, P=0.051). The pH values of the soil in the plague focus of Kangbao County in the cold season (October-November) were generally higher than those in the warm season (June-July), but all were weakly alkaline (pH=7.45-8.63). After conducting the independent samples t-test, significant differences were found in organic matter (t=1.992, P=0.049) and total nitrogen (t=3.934, P < 0.001) content between the plague focus and the control site. One-way analysis of variance was used to analyze the physicochemical indices of soil of two sites of the plague focus at different depths in the same season. There were significant differences in available nitrogen content among different depth layers in warm season (F=4.720, P=0.018) and cold season (F=3.497, P=0.046). Differences in K content among different depth layers were significant in warm season (F=446.152, P < 0.001) and cold season (F=13.518, P < 0.001). No significant differences were found for other indicators across different depth layers (all P > 0.05). When comparing the physicochemical indices of soil between seasons at the same depth in the two previously identified sites of the plague focus, significant differences were observed in organic matter content between the warm and cold seasons in the 0- < 10 cm (t=2.942, P=0.009) and 20- < 30 cm (t=2.278, P=0.035) soil layers. Total nitrogen content in the 20- < 30 cm soil layer showed a significant difference between warm and cold seasons (t=2.980, P=0.008). Available nitrogen content exhibited significant differences between the warm and cold seasons across all three soil layers at 0- < 10, 10- < 20, and 20- < 30 cm (t=3.436, P=0.003; t=3.642, P=0.002; t=4.040, P=0.001). Pearson correlation analysis indicated that organic matter content was significantly positively correlated with total nitrogen content (r=0.823, P < 0.001), and electrical conductivity was significantly negatively correlated with pH value (r=-0.532, P < 0.001). Conclusions: The soil in the plague focus of Kangbao County is characterized by high Ca, low Fe, and weak alkalinity, which distinguishes it from the non-plague focus of Xiaoxinzhuang Village in Shacheng Town, and also differs from the soil characteristics of other plague foci in China. These differences provide a possible entry point for exploring the epidemic and quiescent mechanisms of plague in the natural foci.

Objective: To investigate and analyze the current status of rodent control in the catering industry in urban areas of Hunan Province, and to provide a reference for rodent control in this sector. Methods: In 2024, a total of 360 catering establishments of different types were randomly selected from six prefecture-level cities (Changsha, Zhuzhou, Yueyang, Hengyang, Changde, and Zhangjiajie). A questionnaire was designed based on national standards for rodent control in the catering industry. Rodent density indoors and outdoors was assessed using the rodent traces method, and on-site inspections were carried out to evaluate the implementation of rodent control measures. The Chi-square test was used for comparison of count data, and Fisher's exact test was applied when the sample size was small and the expected frequency was less than 1 in any cell. Results: Exposed garbage was found in the outdoor environment of 5.56% (20/360) of catering establishments, with relatively high proportions in school canteens (8/60, 13.33%) and hospital canteens (3/30, 10.00%), and significant differences across establishment types (P=0.013). The overall outdoor rodent density path index was 1.81, among which the index reached 5.54 for hospitals, which exceeded the maximum allowable limit for Grade C of the national standard. The proportion of catering establishments with all rodent-proof facilities meeting standards was 37.50% (135/360). The overall qualification rate of rodent-proof facilities in key indoor areas was 94.78% (3 652/3 853); however, the rates in small restaurants (146/166, 87.95%) and hospital canteens (259/282, 91.84%) were both < 93.00%, failing to meet the requirements for Grade C. There were significant differences in the qualification rates of rodent-proof facilities in key indoor areas among different types of catering establishments (χ²=26.608, P < 0.001). Among different facility types, windows (1 763/1 851, 95.25%) and exhaust fans (807/903, 89.37%) had the highest qualification rates, whereas the rates of doors (651/820, 79.39%), pipeline openings (854/1 092, 78.21%), and grates (or floor drains) (685/858, 79.84%) were all < 80.00%. The differences in qualification rates among different rodent-proof facility types in key areas were significant (χ²=254.317, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Rodent control in the catering industry in urban areas of Hunan Province needs to be strengthened in terms of rodent-proof facility construction, environmental management, and improvement of prevention and control awareness.

Objective: To investigate the current resistance status of Blattella germanica to commonly used insecticides in Tongliao City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, so as to provide a basis for the scientific control and rational insecticide use against local cockroaches. Methods: In 2024, field populations of B. germanica were collected from four types of habitats in the main urban area of Tongliao City, including catering establishments, farmers' markets, supermarkets, and hotels. The residual film method was used to determine the resistance levels of B. germanica to beta-cypermethrin, deltamethrin, and propoxur. The median knockdown time (KT₅₀) and resistance ratio (RR) were calculated by probability unit analysis, and the resistance levels were determined. Results: The KT₅₀ values of the field populations of B. germanica in Tongliao City to beta-cypermethrin, deltamethrin, and propoxur were 241.67, 345.31, and 142.88 min, respectively. The corresponding RRs were 15.94, 34.43, and 8.47. The cockroaches showed high resistance to beta-cypermethrin and deltamethrin (RR≥10), and moderate resistance to propoxur (2≤RR < 10). Conclusions: B. germanica in Tongliao City has developed high resistance to the two pyrethroid insecticides. It is recommended to suspend the use of insecticides to which high resistance has developed, rotate insecticides with different mechanisms of action, combine environmental management with resistance surveillance, and implement an integrated pest management strategy.

Animal infectious diseases are caused by a wide range of pathogens, including parasites, fungi, bacteria, mycoplasmas, chlamydiae, viruses, and prions, and pose persistent threats to global animal health, economic production, and public health security. Beyond directly inducing tissue damage, growth retardation, or even mortality in hosts, pathogen infections can systematically alter animal behavioral patterns by disrupting physiological homeostasis, energy metabolism balance, and neuroregulatory pathways. However, their ecological and evolutionary consequences remain insufficiently understood. Animal vocalizations, broadly defined as airborne acoustic signals produced by vertebrates such as birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles, serve as a crucial medium for social communication. They play essential roles in information transmission in various key contexts, including general social interactions, mate attraction, alarm signaling, and parent-offspring communication. The acoustic parameters of these signals, such as frequency, duration, rhythm, and harmonics-to-noise ratio, are highly sensitive to changes in animal condition, highlighting their potential as non-invasive behavioral indicators for monitoring animal health. Understanding the effects of disease on animal vocalizations not only facilitates the elucidation of host-pathogen interaction mechanisms from a behavioral perspective, thereby promoting the theoretical integration of behavioral ecology and disease ecology, but also provides a scientific basis for developing acoustic-based disease early warning systems. Such advances are of practical significance for improving the quality and efficiency of livestock production in China, strengthening wildlife disease control, and supporting the implementation of the One Health strategy. Based on a synthesis of pathogenic mechanisms of different pathogen infections, this paper systematically reviews the phenotypic changes and adaptive significance of both sexually selected and non-sexually selected animal vocalizations during pathogen infection. Furthermore, it analyzes the underlying mechanisms of disease-induced vocal abnormalities and their interactions from three perspectives: organ damage, immune and energy trade-offs, and neuroendocrine regulation. Finally, this paper discusses the technical advantages of animal vocalizations in disease monitoring, and evaluates their application potential and possible challenges within the One Health framework, particularly in livestock farming, ecosystem health assessment and vector surveillance, zoonotic disease prevention and control, and public health security early warning management. This study aims to provide a reference for related research and technology development.

Zika virus disease related microcephaly and other neurological disorders were once declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization. The congenital defects and neurological sequelae Zika virus causes pose a continuous threat to global public health, and importation through international travel presents a potential risk of transmission in China. This article aims to systematically review the methodological advances in tracking and predicting the global spread of Zika virus, and to explore the prospects for method integration to enhance surveillance and early warning capabilities. Data sources included relevant studies published in the PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases from 1947 to 2025. Three types of core approaches were identified: genomic epidemiology for precisely tracing transmission history, ecological niche and mechanistic models for predicting patterns of local transmission risk, and mathematical models for simulating outbreak dynamics and intervention effects. By analyzing the key principles, application cases, and limitations of each method, this paper proposes that future research should construct a collaborative framework that integrates multi-source data and multiple methods, enabling a full-chain analysis from post-event tracing to pre-event warning.

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mosquito-control film is a novel environmentally friendly mosquito control agent based on physical mechanisms and has unique value in the prevention and control of mosquito-borne diseases. Through multiple physical mechanisms, including surface tension reduction that impairs respiration of mosquito larvae and pupae, tracheal flooding, developmental inhibition, and oviposition deterrence, it exerts control effects across multiple developmental stages of mosquitoes, including larvae, pupae, and adults. It is particularly rapid in killing pupae. Although it kills early-instar larvae relatively slowly, it can significantly inhibit larval feeding and growth, ultimately preventing successful pupation. In contrast to conventional larvicides (e.g., Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis and temephos) that are effective only against larvae, PDMS mosquito-control film targets both larvae and pupae, thereby effectively blocking adult emergence and serving as an effective complement to chemical insecticides. Field studies have shown that it has significant control efficacy and good persistence in various breeding habitats, including water-filled tires, stormwater catch basins, water storage containers, and rice paddies. It is safe for non-target aquatic organisms (e.g., chironomids, crucian carp, and aquatic plants), has a low bioaccumulation risk, and poses an extremely low risk of resistance development. Its high safety and ease of application render it suitable for self-application by residents, thereby enhancing the accessibility and sustainability of community mosquito control. However, its field efficacy may be affected by environmental factors such as rainfall, strong winds, water flow, and vegetation. Susceptibility varies markedly among mosquito species, with Culex spp. demonstrating the highest susceptibility and Aedes spp. exhibiting relatively low susceptibility. This review further analyzes challenges associated with the promotion and application of PDMS mosquito-control film and proposes future research directions encompassing formulation optimization, application standardization, and long-term ecological assessment. PDMS mosquito-control film holds promise as an important component of the sustainable mosquito control system in China, offering an environmentally friendly solution for mosquito-borne disease prevention and control.