Optimizing control strategies to reduce east coast fever spread in livestock–wildlife interface communities
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Date
2026-07-20
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Abstract
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.
Description
This journal article was published by Elsevier in 2026
Keywords
East coast fever Mathematical model Cattle Wildlife Optimal control strategies