PARAMETRA: A transmission modelling database for livestock diseases.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Epidemiology
• Mathematical Modelling
• Infectious Disease Dynamics

Background:

• Mathematical and simulation models are crucial for livestock disease management but often face challenges in parameterization, especially in data-limited regions.
• Literature reviews are frequently required to source parameter values when direct estimation is not feasible, a process that is both time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce PARAMETRA, an open-source parameter database for 20 significant livestock pathogens.
• To facilitate the development of future transmission models for livestock pathogens by providing a centralized, collaborative resource for researchers.

Main Methods:

• Selection of 20 livestock pathogens based on a disease prioritization exercise.
• Identification of key parameters by experts in epidemiology and mathematical modeling.
• Population of the database with over 2000 parameter values, including transmission rates, diagnostic test efficacies, and pathogen survival data.

Main Results:

• The PARAMETRA database contains over 2000 parameter values for 20 livestock pathogens.
• Data covers diverse parameters such as transmission rates, diagnostic test performance, pathogen survival, and disease prevalence.
• An initial analysis revealed a tendency for research to be reactive, focusing on diseases post-outbreak.

Conclusions:

• PARAMETRA serves as a valuable, open-source tool to support the development of livestock disease transmission models.
• The database highlights the need for a more proactive approach to research, addressing data gaps and high-risk diseases before outbreaks occur.
• This initial release of PARAMETRA is intended for future expansion and updates, fostering ongoing community contribution.