Abstract:

To understand the activities of intermediate and definitive host animals of Echinococcus spp. in Shiqu, Sichuan during June to August 2018, the infrared triggered cameras were used to observe the interaction between human and dogs, and dogs with other animals, within eight households in Rizha village, Odoma township, Shiqu County, Sichuan. Other four sites were selected to observe the activities of small mammals around the selected households. The infrared cameras were installed on poles or fence about 100 cm above the ground to record the activities of people or animals within the range of 6 m. The rodents Ochotona curzoniae and Neodon fuscus within the camera monitor range were collected for the species identification by PCR amplification of cytochrome b gene (Cyt b) and double-stranded DNA sequencing. Total 277 minutes of video were effectively recorded from 3 out of 8 households. The records showed that there was only one leashed Tibetan dog in each household, which moved outside the fence, but within 28 m of house. The dogs were fed once a day averagely. There was no touch caught between people and domestic or wild dogs. The rodents captured by the camera were identified as Ochotona curzoniae and Neodon fuscus by DNA sequencing analysis. The ground activity of Ochotona curzoniae started at 6 : 46 and ended at 20 : 41 with peak at 9 : 00, 12 : 00, 15 : 00 and 19 : 00. The smokey vole Neodon fuscus started to move around at 8 : 06 and ended at 20 : 09 with peak at 19 : 00. Ochotona curzoniae activity began earlier than Neodon fuscus and was aremore active observed throughout the day. The only interaction between dogs and their owners was when dogs were fed. If dogs are fed less, more chance the dogs would prey on small mammals.

Key words: Shiqu County, Echinococcus spp., Infrared-triggered camera, Dogs, Ochotona curzoniae, Neodon fuscus