Etiological surveillance for plague in Haixi prefecture, Qinghai, 2008-2013

Objective To analyze epidemiological characteristics of plague in Haixi prefecture of Qinghai province during 2008-2013, and provide evidence for the prevention and treatment of plague. Methods Bacteriological and serological detections were conducted by using the samples collected in plague surveillance in Haixi during 2008-2013, and the epidemiological characteristics of plague was analyzed. Results A total of 23 plague bacillus strains were isolated from 3969 animal specimens and 526 insect vectors, and 51 F1 antibody positive serum samples were detected from 7285 specimens. Conclusion Plague is still a serious public health problem in Haixi. It is necessary to strengthen the surveillance for plague in animals to prevent human plague.