Methods
Input data specifications, modeling assumptions, and economic integration framework.
The Methods section covers everything needed to parameterize, configure, and interpret MHASpread simulations — from data preparation to cost-effectiveness analysis.
Section Overview
| Page | Content |
|---|---|
| Data Requirements | Population database, movement records, scenario parameters, file formats |
| Economic Impact | Cost components, cost-effectiveness metrics, scenario comparison framework |
Key Inputs at a Glance
MHASpread requires three primary input files:
| File | Description | Key Fields |
|---|---|---|
| Population database | One row per farm; species counts and GPS coordinates | farm_id, lat, long, cattle, swine, small_ruminants |
| Events database | Animal shipments between farms | date, sender_id, receiver_id, species, n_animals |
| Scenario parameters | Control strategy settings for the simulation run | depopulation capacity, vaccination rate, detection sensitivity |
Modeling Assumptions
Key assumptions underlying the MHASpread framework:
- Homogeneous within-farm mixing — contact rates uniform across all animals on a farm
- Exponential distance decay — transmission probability falls exponentially with distance
- PERT-distributed parameters — biological uncertainty captured via beta-family distributions
- Perfect compliance — control actions (standstill, vaccination) assumed to be fully enforced
- Single-serotype pathogen — no cross-immunity or multi-strain dynamics
See Data Requirements for full parameter lists and Model Overview for assumption implications.
Continue to Data Requirements →