Spatial Landscape Structure Influences Cross-Species Transmission in a Rabies-like Virus Model

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Epidemiology
• Computational Biology

Background:

• Understanding cross-species pathogen spread is crucial for public health.
• Agent-based models are valuable tools for simulating disease dynamics in complex systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how spatial landscape structure influences the spread of a rabies-like virus.
• To analyze the combined effects of landscape patterns and viral transmission rates on disease dynamics in a two-species system.

Main Methods:

• Biologically realistic agent-based models were simulated on neutral landscapes with varying spatial autocorrelation.
• Disease dynamics were modeled using different intra- and interspecies transmission rates.
• Analysis focused on median new reservoir and spillover cases across landscape structures and transmission rates.

Main Results:

• Both spatial landscape structure and viral transmission rates are critical determinants of infection numbers and peak case timing.
• Isolated habitat patches with high carrying capacity can increase transmission risk but may also decelerate spread.
• Connectedness of habitat patches influences the rate and extent of viral dissemination.

Conclusions:

• Spatial landscape structure and transmission rates are key drivers of cross-species viral spread.
• Disease control strategies must consider landscape factors and pathogen dynamics, particularly in high-risk areas.
• Future research should explore the interplay between landscape ecology and pathogen transmission for effective disease management.