Impact of the National Wetland Park in the Poyang Lake Area on Oncomelania hupensis, the Intermediate Host of Schistoma japonicum

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to understand the influence of ecotourism on the distribution of Oncomelania hupensis and to provide a scientific basis for formulating effective snail control methods in tourism development areas. Poyang Lake National Wetland Park was selected as the pilot area, and sampling surveys were conducted based on comprehensive and detailed investigations of all historical and suspected snail environments according to map data to determine the snail distribution and analyze the impact of tourism development. The results showed that from 2011 to 2021, the positive rates of blood tests and fecal tests tended to decrease among residents of the Poyang Lake area. The positive rates of blood tests and fecal tests in livestock also tended to decrease. The average density of O. hupensis snails decreased, and no schistosomes were detected during infection monitoring in Poyang Lake. The local economy rapidly grew after the development of tourism. The development of ecotourism projects in Poyang Lake National Wetland Park increased the transfer frequency of boats, recreational equipment, and people, but it did not increase the risk of schistosomiasis transmission or the spread of O. hupensis snails. Prevention and monitoring only need to be strengthened in low-endemic schistosomiasis areas to effectively promote economic development due to tourism activities without affecting the health of residents.

Exorchis sp. in the catfish Silurus asotus and Oncomelania hupensis in marshlands of Poyang Lake, China: A potential biological control tool for Schistosoma japonicum

“…These results indicated that there are still enough space to put the biological control strategy into practice in the marshlands of Poyang Lake. Here, no S. japonicum infections in snails were observed, indicating that the schistosomiasis control strategy has been effective in this area, but there is still a risk of schistosomiasis transmission ( Li et al, 2023 ). Therefore, it also reminds us to realize the necessity of applying for the alternative effective and environment-friendly schistosomiasis control strategies.…”