Authors

Discussion

Mathematical models provide an important tool for the quantification of infectious diseases and can be used to predict disease spread, as well as evaluate different disease control measures. Here, we introduce an age stratified multi-host model for the simulation of cystic echinococcosis in Argentina.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by infection with the cestode species Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato and is a globally distributed neglected tropical disease (NTD). It particularly affects vulnerable sheep-rearing and pastoral communities, with a significant economic burden to both the health and agricultural sectors. Elimination has been achieved in other countries such as New Zealand and Iceland. Control programmes use a combination of dog deworming, less frequently sheep deworming, and annual sheep vaccination, with large reductions in prevalence achieved in the last decades.

The model simulates transmission dynamics in a population of dogs and sheep within a single farming unit, representative of the style of pastoral sheep farming (predominantly for wool) seen in the region.  Model outputs will be used to provide insights into the epidemiology of CE in Argentina and will allow for a rigorous evaluation of current control efforts. Alternative intervention scenarios will be modelled, to identify the most effective and economically viable strategy for the long-term sustainability of the programme.