Modelling leptospirosis in livestock

Theor Popul Biol. 2018 May:121:26-32. doi: 10.1016/j.tpb.2018.03.005. Epub 2018 Mar 27.

Abstract

New Zealand has one of the highest (per capita) incidences of human leptospirosis in the world. It is the highest occurring occupational disease in New Zealand, often transmitted from livestock such as deer, sheep and cattle to humans. A cyclical model, showing the dynamics of infection of leptospirosis in farmed livestock in New Zealand, is presented. The limit cycle, bifurcation diagram and quasi-R0 value of the system are determined. Leptospire death rate is used as a control parameter. Previously published parameter values are used in a case study to produce figures demonstrating analytical results. The model is used to predict conditions under which the infection will persist in the population.

Keywords: Compartmental model; Cyclical; Leptospirosis; Livestock; Mathematical model; Periodic.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Leptospirosis / epidemiology
  • Leptospirosis / veterinary*
  • Livestock / microbiology
  • Models, Theoretical
  • New Zealand / epidemiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Sheep
  • Sheep Diseases / epidemiology*