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Using the computer model ECFXPERT to study ticks and East Coast fever

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 September 2011

W. Byrom  and
G. Gettinby
W. Byrom
Affiliation:
Department of Statistics and Modelling Science, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
G. Gettinby
Affiliation:
Department of Statistics and Modelling Science, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
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Abstract

ECFXPERT is a microcomputer software tool which can be used to investigate tick populations and the control of East Coast fever. The package contains four simulation models: a model for predicting the abundance and seasonality of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus ticks; a model for predicting East Coast fever prevalence within a herd of cattle; and two models for the study of disease control using either acaricidal dipping strategies or chemotherapy. In this paper, the philosophy of the ECFXPERT package, and the underlying assumptions and mathematical techniques employed are presented, along with the results of a number of computer experiments designed to validate and illustrate potential use of the model.

Résumé

ECFXPERT est un outil logiciel pour microordinateur conçu pour étudier les populations de tiques et le contrôle de la theilériose (East Coast fever). Le logiciel comprend quatre modèles de simulation: un modèle destiné à prévoir le nombre et la distribution saisonnière des tiques Rhipicephalus appendiculatus; un modèle destiné à prévoir la prevalence de le theilèriose dans un troupeau de bovins; et deux modèles permettant de tester les stratégies de contrôle de la theilériose, soit par des bains acaricides, soit par chimiothérapie.

L'article présente le concept du logiciel ECFXPERT et les hypothèses et techniques mathématiques utilisées, ainsi que les résultats des simulations effectuées, dans le but de valider le logiciel et illustrer son utilisation potentielle.

Keywords

Cattle diseaseticksEast Coast feverRhipicephalus appendiculatusTheileria parvaECFXPERTmathematical modelsimulationcomputer experimentsclimate changeseasonal occurrenceAfrica
Type
Tick Ecology and Modelling
Information
International Journal of Tropical Insect Science , Volume 13 , Special Issue 4: Status and Recent Advances in Tick Management in Africa , August 1992 , pp. 527 - 535
Copyright
Copyright © ICIPE 1992

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References

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