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Demonstrating frequency-dependent transmission of sarcoptic mange in red foxes

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-19, 07:44 authored by Devenish-Nelson, ES, Shane RichardsShane Richards, Harris, S, Soulsbury, C, Stephens, PA
Understanding the relationship between disease transmission and host density is essential for predicting disease spread and control. Using long-term data on sarcoptic mange in a red fox Vulpes vulpes population, we tested long-held assumptions of density- and frequency-dependent direct disease transmission. We also assessed the role of indirect transmission. Contrary to assumptions typical of epidemiological models, mange dynamics are better explained by frequency-dependent disease transmission than by density-dependent transmission in this canid. We found no support for indirect transmission. We present the first estimates of R0 and age-specific transmission coefficients for mange in foxes. These parameters are important for managing this poorly understood but highly contagious and economically damaging disease.

History

Publication title

Biology Letters

Volume

10

Issue

10

Article number

20140524

Number

20140524

Pagination

1-5

ISSN

1744-9561

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

The Royal Society Publishing

Place of publication

United Kingdom

Rights statement

Copyright 2014 The Author(s)

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Expanding knowledge in the biological sciences

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    University Of Tasmania

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