Objective    To establish laboratory animal models of hydatid disease in mice and rabbits with sheep-derived Echinococcus granulosus protoscolices.     Methods    Kunming mice at 6 weeks of age were inoculated with the suspension of sheep-derived Echinococcus granulosus protoscolices in the abdomen. New Zealand rabbits were inoculated with the suspension of sheep-derived Echinococcus granulosus protoscolices in the liver after surgical operation in the abdominal region. The hydatid cysts in the animals were observed by naked eyes and optical microscopy in 6 months after inoculation.      Results    At the observation time point

the hydatid cysts were found in the abdominal cavities of 95% experimental mice (19/20) and in the liver of 50% experimental rabbits (4/8). Compared with those derived from the sheep liver

the hydatid cysts had similar epithelioid cell layer and lamellar structure but thinner cyst wall. Protoscolices were found in the hydatid cysts derived from all animals.     Conclusion    The animal models of hydatid disease can be established by inoculating mice and rabbits with the suspension of Echinococcus granulosus protoscolices derived from sheep liver. The rabbit model of hydatid disease is more suitable for further study with high-intensity focused ultrasound.