Rodents surveillance in Zhejiang province

Objective To understand the density and species of rodents in Zhejiang province and provide evidence for rodent control and the prevention of rodent-borne disease. Methods The night trapping method was used to monitor the species composition and density of rodents. The surveillance was conducted in residential area, special industry area and rural natural village every month. Results Rattus norvegicus was the dominant species in most areas of Zhejiang in 2012. followed by Mus musculus and Rattus tanezumi. The average density of rodents was 0.82 per 100 rattrap. Mus musculus was the dominant species in Hangzhou and Haiyan. Rattus tanezumi was the dominant species in Lishui. Annual density dynamic curve of rodents had peaks. The highest rodent density, 3.64 per 100 rattrap, was recorded in Jiangshan. Conclusion Several species of rodents which can transmit disease were found in Zhejian. It is important to strengthen the top-design, the integrated surveillance and the control of rodent-borne diseases.