Browsing by Author "Chinyoka, Mirirai"

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Optimizing control strategies to reduce east coast fever spread in livestock–wildlife interface communities
(ELSEVIER, 2026-07-20) Chinyoka, Mirirai; Muchatibaya, Gift; Helikumi, Mlyashimbi; Murambiwa Shingirai T; Jambwa, Prosper; Mushayabasa, Steady
East Coast Fever (ECF) poses a significant threat to livestock in sub-Saharan Africa, leading to substantial economic losses primarily due to animal mortality. While buffalo are recognized as natural reservoirs of the disease, the role of the livestock–wildlife interface in the transmission dynamics of ECF remains poorly understood. To address this gap, a comprehensive mechanistic model incorporating this interface was developed, calibrated with empirical data collected from Zimbabwe between 2014 and 2020. Using this model, future ECF cases were projected up to the year 2030. Analysis of various control measures — including vaccination, acaricide use, and habitat management — indicates that, although these strategies can effectively reduce disease prevalence, they are unlikely to completely eradicate ECF within a single year when implemented individually. These findings underscore the importance of adopting integrated control approaches that combine multiple strategies, including biological methods, to achieve sustainable and long-term disease management. The results emphasize the need for continued research and coordinated efforts to effectively combat ECF and mitigate its impact on livestock and local economies in the region.