Population dynamics of fox rabies in Europe

Abstract

A simple mathematical model for the overall dynamics of the interaction between fox populations and rabies is presented. The model helps to explain epidemiological patterns observed in Europe, including the 3 to 5 year cycle in fox populations infected with rabies, threshold densities and average levels of prevalence of infection. We give a quantitative discussion of the possibilities of controlling rabies by culling or vaccinating foxes (or by a mixture of the two).