Tick-borne infectious agents in nature: Simulated effects of changes in host density on spatial-temporal prevalence of infected ticks

Simulated interactions of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), climate variation and habitat heterogeneity on southern cattle tick (Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus) eradication methods in south Texas, USA

“…Our model is the first attempt to address a knowledge gap in how the interactions of climate variation, cattle, and deer impact CFT eradication efforts in the U.S. as prioritized by Pérez de León et al (2010). The majority of the relatively few studies that have used a spatiallyexplicit, individual-/agent-based model to investigate tick-host interactions have been focused on 3-host ticks (Wang et al 2012;Wang et al 2015;Wang et al 2016). Wang et al (2012) developed the first spatially explicit, individual-/agent-based, stochastic model that simulated the spatial-temporal dynamics of lone star ticks (Amblyomma americanum (L.)) in response to changes in climatic conditions, landscape structure, and host community composition in suburban area.…”

“…Subsequently, Wang et al (2016) modified the model of Wang et al (2012) to examine the effects of changes in host density on the spatial-temporal prevalence of infected ticks within the landscape. They found that variation in simulated nymphal infection prevalence values could be explained by the fact that larval, nymphal, and adult tick loads were distributed differently among the different-sized hosts, each with their distinct range of movement and degree of variation in population size.…”

“…As one example, the present model could be used to evaluate the proposal that cattle could function as a "sponge" or "trap" for CFT by using them as a tracer or sentinel species, thus combining systematic surveillance and treatment to sustain eradication in otherwise persistently-infested premises where deer and cattle coexist (Kistner and Hayes 1970;Pérez de León et al 2010). Simulation of spatially-explicit chronologies of changes in vector density should suggest where and when monitoring and treatment efforts would be most effective, thus allowing the design and a priori testing of specific field sampling strategies in specific landscapes under specific conditions (Wang et al 2016).…”

Enhanced biosurveillance of high-consequence invasive pests: southern cattle fever ticks, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, on livestock and wildlife

“…Our model is the first attempt to meet this knowledge gap by simulating relationships among nilgai, cattle and WTD. Other spatially-explicit, individual- or agent-based models simulating relationships among climate, landscape, hosts, and ticks include those of Estrada-Peña et al [ 28 ] and Wang et al [ 14 , 31 – 33 ], which are reviewed by Wang et al [ 26 ]. Only those of Estrada-Peña et al [ 28 ] and Wang et al [ 14 ] were focused on SCFT and included WTD as an alternate host.…”

Visceral leishmaniasis on the Indian Subcontinent: Efficacy of fipronil-based cattle treatment in controlling sand fly populations is dependent on specific aspects of sand fly ecology

“…Yakob previously described a simulation model in which the success of systemic insecticide cattle treatment was dependent on two factors 1) the feeding behavior of the vector being targeted; and 2) the availability of alternative hosts [36]. Wang et al also developed simulation models to assess the vector suppression treatments on cattle and found that host composition and population fluctuations influenced the outcome of treatments [37][38][39][40]. P. argentipes has been described as a "chance feeder", feeding opportunistically on humans and cattle relative to host availability [10,12].…”