« Previous AbstractHormonal-Induced Cervical Relaxation During Diestrus in Ewes: Cervical Transposing Feasibility and Use of hCG for Rescuing Disrupted Luteal Function    Next AbstractHormonal pleiotropy helps maintain queen signal honesty in a highly eusocial wasp »

Bull Math Biol

Title:		Modelling disease introduction as biological control of invasive predators to preserve endangered prey
Author(s):		Oliveira NM; Hilker FM;
Address:		"Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia, Oeiras, Portugal. noliveira@igc.gulbenkian.pt"
Journal Title:		Bull Math Biol
Year:		2010
Volume:		20090929
Issue:		2
Page Number:		444 - 468
DOI:		10.1007/s11538-009-9454-2
ISSN/ISBN:		1522-9602 (Electronic) 0092-8240 (Linking)
Abstract:		"Invasive species are a significant cause of bio-diversity loss particularly in island ecosystems. It has been suggested to release pathogenic parasites as an efficient control measure of these mostly immune-naive populations. In order to explore the potential impacts of such bio-control approach, we construct and investigate mathematical models describing disease dynamics in a host population that acts as a predator embedded in a simple food chain. The consequences of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) introduction into a closed ecosystem are addressed using a bi-trophic system, comprising an indigenous prey (birds) and an introduced predator (cats). Our results show that FIV is unlikely to fully eradicate cats on sub-Antarctic islands, but it can be efficient in depressing their population size, allowing for the recovery of the endangered prey. Depending on the ecological setting and disease transmission mode (we consider proportionate mixing as well as mass action), successful pathogen invasion can induce population oscillations that are not possible in the disease-free predator-prey system. These fluctuations can be seen as a mixed blessing from a management point of view. On the one hand, they may increase the extinction risk of the birds. On the other hand, they provide an opportunity to eradicate cats more easily in combination with other methods such as trapping or culling"
Keywords:		"Algorithms Animals Basic Reproduction Number Birds/*physiology Cats Computer Simulation Conservation of Natural Resources/*methods Feline Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/transmission/*virology *Food Chain Geography Immunodeficiency Virus, Feline/*physi;"
Notes:		"MedlineOliveira, Nuno M Hilker, Frank M eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't 2009/09/30 Bull Math Biol. 2010 Feb; 72(2):444-68. doi: 10.1007/s11538-009-9454-2. Epub 2009 Sep 29"