Abstract: Cloned DNA fragments pHD5,pSM889 and pEG18 have been used as DNA probes in the restriction endonuclease analysis and southern blot hybridization to characterize E. granulo-sus and E. multilocularis protoscolices from China. Southern blot hybridization method is sensitive, specific and has the advantage in identification over microscopic examination. The authors deem that it can be used in the base-line epidemiological survey and surveillance of hy-datid disease to provide data for hydatid disease control.