Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 18, 2026
Vector Competence Analyses on Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes using Zika Virus
Published on: May 31, 2020
Rat Fall Surveillance Coupled with Vector Control and Community Education as a Plague Prevention Strategy in the West
Karen A Boegler1, Linda A Atiku2, Russell E Enscore1
1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Fort Collins, Colorado.
Abstract:
Plague, primarily a disease of rodents, is most frequently transmitted by fleas and causes potentially fatal infections in humans. In Uganda, plague is endemic to the West Nile region. Primary prevention for plague includes control of rodent hosts or flea vectors, but targeting these efforts is difficult given the sporadic nature of plague epizootics in the region and limited resource availability. Here, we present a community-based strategy to detect and report rodent deaths (rat fall), an early sign of epizootics. Laboratory testing of rodent carcasses is used to trigger primary and secondary prevention measures: indoor residual spraying (IRS) and community-based plague education, respectively. During the first 3 years of the program, individuals from 142 villages reported 580 small mammal deaths; 24 of these tested presumptive positive for Yersinia pestis by fluorescence microscopy. In response, for each of the 17 affected communities, village-wide IRS was conducted to control rodent-associated fleas within homes, and community sensitization was conducted to raise awareness of plague signs and prevention strategies. No additional presumptive Y. pestis-positive carcasses were detected in these villages within the 2-month expected duration of residual activity for the insecticide used in IRS. Despite comparatively high historic case counts, no human plague cases were reported from villages participating in the surveillance program; five cases were reported from elsewhere in the districts. We evaluate community participation and timeliness of response, report the frequency of human plague cases in participating and surrounding villages, and evaluate whether a program such as this could provide a sustainable model for plague prevention in endemic areas.
Insights
A community-based strategy in Uganda successfully detected plague (Yersinia pestis) by monitoring rodent deaths. This early detection enabled targeted interventions, preventing human plague cases in participating villages.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Public Health Interventions
Background:
- Plague is a flea-transmitted rodent disease endemic to Uganda's West Nile region.
- Traditional plague prevention is challenging due to sporadic outbreaks and limited resources.
- Early detection of rodent deaths (rat fall) can signal plague epizootics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement and evaluate a community-based strategy for early plague detection and prevention in Uganda.
- To assess the effectiveness of rapid response measures triggered by detected rodent deaths.
Main Methods:
- Community members reported small mammal deaths.
- Rodent carcasses were tested for Yersinia pestis using fluorescence microscopy.
- Positive tests triggered indoor residual spraying (IRS) and community education.
Main Results:
- 580 small mammal deaths reported; 24 tested presumptive positive for Yersinia pestis.
- 17 communities received IRS and education; no further positive carcasses detected post-intervention.
- No human plague cases reported in participating villages during the surveillance period.
Conclusions:
- Community-based surveillance of rodent deaths is a viable strategy for early plague detection.
- Targeted IRS and education effectively controlled flea vectors and raised awareness.
- This model shows potential for sustainable plague prevention in endemic areas.
