In the northeastern state of Mizoram, India the rodent outbreak is periodic and coincides with bamboo (Melocanna baccifera) bloom causing a tremendous destruction to food crops that often results in famine. The present study was undertaken during the bamboo flowering period (2006-2008) to assess the parasite spectrum and load in the bourgeoning rodent population of the affected region. The survey results of the populations of 9 prevalent rodent species revealed that nematodes were the most dominant parasitic group followed by cestodes of the order Cyclophyllidea; however, the trematodes were found to be conspicuously missing. The nematodes harbored by the rodents belonged to the genera: Syphacia, Aspicularis, Trichuris, Rictularia, Capillaria, Trichosomoides, Nippostrongylus, Hepatojarakus and Heterakis, whereas the cestode genera included Hymenolepis, Raillietina and Taenia. Hymenolepis diminuta was the commonly encountered species. Only one acanthocephalan (Moniliformis sp.) could be collected during the entire study.
Keywords: Bamboo flowering; Biological control; Helminth parasites; Rodent outbreak.