Optimal control and cost-effectiveness analysis of Fasciola hepatica model

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Mathematical Epidemiology
• Economic Analysis

Background:

• Fasciolosis, caused by Fasciola hepatica, poses a significant economic threat to cattle farming.
• Effective control strategies are crucial to mitigate disease transmission and economic losses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the cost-effectiveness of Fasciola hepatica intervention measures in cattle.
• To determine optimal disease control conditions using a deterministic model and optimal control framework.

Main Methods:

• Formulation of a deterministic model with an optimal control framework.
• Application of Volterra-Lyapunov stability method for global stability analysis.
• Utilization of Pontryagin's maximum principle to identify optimal control strategies.
• Numerical simulations and Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) analysis.

Main Results:

• The model demonstrated global stability at the endemic equilibrium point.
• Combined interventions, particularly molluscicide use at maximum levels and pasture management, significantly reduced disease transmission.
• Pasture management coupled with molluscicide use emerged as the most effective and least expensive strategy.

Conclusions:

• Optimal control of Fasciola hepatica in cattle necessitates maximizing molluscicide intervention rates.
• Integrated strategies, emphasizing pasture management and molluscicide application, are key for cost-effective disease control.
• Educational initiatives promoting proper pasture management and molluscicide use can limit the spread of Fasciola hepatica in both cattle and human populations.