An optimal control problem for ovine brucellosis with culling

Area of Science:

• * Mathematical modeling
• * Epidemiology
• * Disease dynamics

Background:

• * Ovine brucellosis is a significant zoonotic disease with direct, environmental, and vertical transmission routes.
• * Mathematical models are crucial for understanding disease spread and developing control strategies.
• * Previous models did not fully incorporate culling strategies for disease management.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To modify an existing mathematical model for ovine brucellosis to include culling.
• * To determine key parameters influencing human brucellosis spread through sensitivity analysis.
• * To identify optimal control strategies for minimizing infection at minimal cost.

Main Methods:

• * Modification of the Aïnseba et al. mathematical model to incorporate culling.
• * Sensitivity analysis to identify critical parameters in disease transmission.
• * Optimal control analysis using three time-dependent control strategies.

Main Results:

• * Identification of critical parameters affecting ovine and human brucellosis transmission.
• * Development of an optimal control framework to manage disease spread.
• * Quantification of the effectiveness of culling and environmental control measures.

Conclusions:

• * Mathematical modeling, including culling, provides valuable insights into brucellosis dynamics.
• * Sensitivity analysis is effective in pinpointing key drivers of disease spread.
• * Optimal control strategies can minimize infection burden and associated costs.