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Controlling Echinococcus multilocularis-ecological implications of field trials
Frank Hansen1, Kirsten Tackmann, Florian Jeltsch
1Department of Ecological Modelling, UFZ Centre for Environmental Research Leipzig-Halle, Permoserstrasse 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany. f.hansen@ed.sac.ac.uk
Preventive Veterinary Medicine
|August 6, 2003
Summary
Control efforts for Echinococcus multilocularis in foxes failed to eradicate the parasite. A simulation model revealed that spatial clustering of infected foxes or partial immunity in foxes could explain the rapid recovery of parasite prevalence after control.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Wildlife Epidemiology
- Ecological Modeling
Background:
- Field trials to reduce Echinococcus multilocularis prevalence in foxes have shown limited success in eradication.
- Following control, parasite prevalence in foxes unexpectedly and rapidly recovered to pre-control levels in northern Germany.
- Understanding the dynamics of parasite-host interactions is crucial for effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a spatially explicit simulation model (Echi) to understand the parasite-host system's reaction to control.
- To investigate potential factors contributing to the rapid post-control recovery of Echinococcus multilocularis prevalence in foxes.
- To evaluate the impact of landscape structures and fox immunity on parasite dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Development of a spatially explicit simulation model (Echi) incorporating fox tapeworm population dynamics.
- Adjustment of epidemiological parameters to match pre-control prevalence data.
- Step-by-step modification of the model to include factors like egg longevity, fox migration, landscape structure, and partial immunity.
Main Results:
- The simulation model, adjusted with epidemiological parameters, predicted temporal prevalence evolution within field data uncertainty but failed to replicate the rapid post-control recovery.
- Neither tapeworm egg longevity nor fox migratory behavior explained the observed rapid recovery.
- Spatial aggregation of infected foxes within landscape structures and partial immunity acquired by foxes were identified as key factors aligning model predictions with field data.
Conclusions:
- Spatial distribution of infected foxes, potentially influenced by abiotic factors affecting egg survival, can significantly alter the system's response to control.
- Partial immunity acquired by foxes upon exposure to Echinococcus multilocularis acts as a buffer, hindering complete parasite eradication.
- Future control trials should consider concentrating efforts on highly infected areas (spatial aggregation) and anticipate the need for intensified measures due to acquired immunity.
