Abstract: Objective To analyze the epidemic pattern of bacillary dysentery and the problems in surveillance in China by using the surveillance data obtained from national disease reporting information system. Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted. Results The morbidity and mortality of bacillary dysentery declined in China in 2009. The cases were mainly children outside child care settings and farmers, and the incidence peak was during June-August. The overall detection rate of Shigella in 7764 samples collected in 20 surveillance sites in China was 8.73%% (678/7764). The pathogen type surveillance indicated that S. flexneri accounted for 67.26% (456/678) and S. Sonnei accounted for 32.74% (222/678). The drug-resistance of Shegella strains was common, but they were sensitive to third-generation cephalosporin, gentamicin and ciprofloxacin. Conclusion National disease reporting information system and active surveillance in national surveillance sites of bacillary dysentery can provide more accurate information about the disease situation, which could facilitate the prevention and control of bacillary dysentery.