Objective: To understand the effect of comprehensive schistosomiasis control measures with focus on buffalo and sheep removal in Anxiang City, Dongting Lake area.
Methods: The data of buffalo and sheep removal, routine schistosomiasis control measures such as disease detection and treatment, Oncomelania snail survey and control, as well as health education were collected and analyzed in Anxiang County, Hunan Province from 2004 to 2012.
Results: The schistosome infection rates of people, domestic animals and snails decreased from 11.23%, 17.06% and 1.07% in 2004 when the comprehensive measures had not been implemented to 0.58%, 0 and 0 in 2012, respectively. The average density of infected snails decreased from 0.003 4 snails/0.1 m2 to 0.
Conclusion: The comprehensive control measures with focus on buffalo and sheep removal are significantly effective, and can control the transmission of schistosomiasis in marshland and lake regions.