An eco‐epidemic model for infectious keratoconjunctivitis caused by Mycoplasma conjunctivae in domestic and wild herbivores, with possible vaccination strategies. (20th October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abbona, Francesca; Venturino, Ezio
• Other Names: Vigo‐Aguiar Jesus guestEditor.; Garcia Rubio Raquel guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Mathematical methods in the applied sciences. Volume 41:Number 6(2018)
• Page Start: 2269
• Page End: 2280
• Publication Date: 2016-10-20
• Subjects: vaccination -- predator–prey model -- population models -- epidemics; Mathematics -- Periodicals; Technology -- Mathematics -- Periodicals; 519
• DOI: 10.1002/mma.4209
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0170-4214

Abstract

Abstract : In this paper, we propose an eco‐epidemiological predator–prey model, modeling the spread of infectious keratoconjunctivitis among domestic and wild ungulates, during the summer season, when they intermigle in high mountain pastures. The disease can be treated in the domestic animals, but for the wild herbivores, it leads to blindness, with consequent death. The model shows that the disease can lead infected herbivores or their predators to extinction, even if it does not affect the latter. Boundedness of solutions and equilibria feasibility are obtained. Stability around the different equilibrium points is analyzed through eigenvalues and the Routh–Hurwitz criterion. Simulations are carried out to support the theoretical results. Sensitivity with respect of some parameters is investigated. The prey vaccination as control measure is introduced and simulated, although at present, the vaccine is not yet available, but just being developed. It would then possibly eradicate the infection in the domestic animals, which are considered a disease reservoir. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.