A model for the transmission of Echinococcus multilocularis in Hokkaido, Japan

A mathematical model for Echinococcus multilocularis transmission would be useful to estimate its prevalence and manage control strategies. We propose a mathematical model which quantitatively describes the transmission of E. multilocularis in Hokkaido, Japan. The model takes into account the influence of the dynamics of both the definitive and the intermediate host populations, which show large scale seasonal variations as they are wild animals. The simulations based on the model clarify the mechanism for the seasonal transmission of E. multilocularis quantitatively, notwithstanding a lack of seasonal prevalence data. At present, human alveolar echinococcosis is prevalent throughout the mainland of Hokkaido. The risk of being infected with alveolar echinococcosis in the human population has been investigated by analyzing the seasonal fluctuation of parasite egg dispersal in the environment, which should be necessary for planning more suitable preventive measures against E. multilocularis.