[Epidemiological survey on Echinococcus infection in animals in Qinghai Province]

Parasitological and dissection methods were used to confirm Echinococcus infection and echinococcosis in animals, and to understand the epidemiological situation in final and intermediate animal hosts in Qinghai Province. Three Echinococcus species were found in the Province including E. granulosus, E. multilocularis and E. shiquicus. The prevalence of hydatid disease showed a tendency of increase with an average rate of over 50% in yaks and sheep. Higher prevalence in wild animals as intermediate host was found in the southern plateau, while that in final hosts such as dogs and wolves, the prevalence was higher in the area of Qilian mountain. There is a complex chain of life cycle of the parasites among animals, which poses a threat to the health of human population. Effective measures to control the disease in animals are urgently needed.