Analysis of the Epizootiological Situation in the Amur Region in Autumn, 2013 Formed under the Influence of High Water over the Small Mammals

Abstract

Objective of the work was to estimate the number and state of the small mammal populations after the summer flood, 2013 in the territory of the Amur Region and make short-term forecasting of the epidemiological situation development. Carried out was small animals capturing using Gero traps with bread as a bait. Epizootiological surveillance in August-September 2013 indicated that the numbers of small mammals did not differ from the average annual rates, but the process of active reproduction in the populations was being underway. In October-November a sharp increase in the animal abundance rate was registered, reproduction process terminated. Large-scale flooding resulted in the formation of local settlements with a high animal density. Stress, aggressiveness and food ration change along with seasonal migration of rodents into human buildings predetermined epizootiological and epidemiological premises for onset of natural-focal infections. Therewith the conclusion was made up that it was necessary to perform epizootiological monitoring of the small mammal populations and realization of measures aimed at the rodent extermination in human settlements in 2014.