[Effect of cementing ditch-based project on schistosomiasis control in Dingshen River basin in Shitai County].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of cementing ditch-based project on schistosomiasis control in the irrigation area of Dingshen River basin in Shitai County, Anhui Province.

METHODS

The data of Oncomelania hupensis snail surveys from 2009 to 2015 and the data of schistosome infections in humans and livestock from 2009 to 2015 were collected, and the changes of the epidemic situation were analyzed and compared before and after the project.

RESULTS

In the cementing ditches, the occurrence rate of living snails decreased by 68.79% and the average density of living snails decreased by 97.78%, whereas in the control areas without ditch hardening, the occurrence rate of living snails increased by 72.49% and the average density of living snails increased by 37.16%. The infection rate in humans decreased by 100%. Of 161 bovines examined with the egg-hatching method during the period, no infections were found.

CONCLUSIONS

The cementing ditch-based project has a good effect on reducing the density of snails and controlling schistosomiasis.