IMPACT OF CULLING STRAY DOGS AND VACCINATION ON THE CONTROL OF HUMAN RABIES: A MATHEMATICAL MODELING APPROACH

摘要

Human rabies cases are not declining in Africa and Asia even though possible inter-ventions are available. A mathematical model for the transmission dynamics of rabiesis presented and analyzed in the presence of intervention strategies (culling, dog vac-cinations, pre- and post-exposure vaccinations for humans). The reproduction numberis computed and rigorously analyzed. Analytical results suggest that the key to rabiescontrol lies in good animal control and seeking medical advice early, once exposed to adog bite. Numerical simulations support analytical results obtained. We conclude thatthe post-exposure prophylaxis might be the best possible way to control rabies in devel-oping nations if it can be made easily accessible to those in need. However, due to costsof vaccines which are beyond the reach of many people in developing nations, it may bebest to come up with better animal control strategies to control the spread of rabies.