title: Applications of mathematical modeling in managing the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in wild deer under alternative harvesting scenarios.
abstract: The application of a recently developed mathematical model for predicting the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in wild deer was assessed under different scenarios where harvesting is employed in disease management. A process-based mathematical model for CWD transmission in wild deer populations was recently developed and parameterized by Al-arydah et al. (2011) to provide a scientific basis for understanding the factors that affect spread of CWD and evaluate concomitant disease-control strategies. The impact of gender on CWD transmission was shown to have a significant influence on the spread of the disease in the wild. Our model demonstrates a range of harvesting rates in which CWD is controlled and deer populations survive. However, if harvesting rates are too low, the disease remains endemic for decades. Conversely, the Canadian deer population is eradicated if harvesting rates are excessive. Future investigation includes building the model to assess the spread of CWD under different disease-management scenarios.
authors.affiliation: a Masdar Institute of Science and Technology , Abu Dhabi , UAE.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Al-Arydah
authors.affiliation: b McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada.
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Croteau
authors.affiliation: c School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences , University of Texas Rio Grande Valley , Edinburg , Texas , USA.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Oraby
authors.affiliation: d Department of Mathematics and Faculty of Medicine , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: b McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Krewski
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D003670:Deer; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D034081:Wasting Disease, Chronic / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission