[Effect of control pattern with emphasis on canine deworming in a pilot of echinococcosis in highly endemic area, southern Qinghai Plateau].

Objective: To evaluate the effect of control pattern with an emphasis on canine deworming in a pilot of echinococcosis in highly endemic area of southern Qinghai Plateau.
Methods: Four pasturing villages in Xiewu Township of Chengduo County were selected as pilot villages in August of 2008. Baseline survey on awareness of echinococcosis prevention knowledge among residents and status of dogs' infection (coproantigen ELISA) was carried out in the villages. After baseline survey, measures of minimizing the control unit, setting up 15th of each month as fixed canine purgation date (praziquantel 1-2 pill/dog), giving health education to residents, selecting and training control personnel, and mobilizing local residents to participate in control of echinococcosis were performed. In October of 2009, a survey was carried out with the same contents as baseline survey to evaluate the effect of the control pattern.
Results: After intervention, the awareness rate on echinococcosis prevention knowledge in the residents increased from 76.1% (172/226) in 2008 to 98.8% (237/240) (chi2=55.6, P<0.01) . The positive rate of coproantigen ELISA for canine echinococcosis decreased from 32.6% (43/132) to 4.2% (5/120) (chi2=32.9, P<0.01).
Conclusion: The knowledge awareness on echinococcosis prevention in residents increased and infection rate in dogs decreased considerably after intervention.