2 research outputs found
Comparing disease control policies for interacting wild populations
We consider interacting population systems of predator-prey type, presenting
four models of control strategies for epidemics among the prey. In particular
to contain the transmissible disease, safety niches are considered, assuming
they lessen the disease spread, but do not protect prey from predators. This
represents a novelty with respect to standard ecosystems where the refuge
prevents predators' attacks. The niche is assumed either to protect the healthy
individuals, or to hinder the infected ones to get in contact with the
susceptibles, or finally to reduce altogether contacts that might lead to new
cases of the infection. In addition a standard culling procedure is also
analysed. The effectiveness of the different strategies are compared. Probably
the environments providing a place where disease carriers cannot come in
contact with the healthy individuals, or where their contact rates are lowered,
seem to preferable for disease containment