Model

The scientific core of MHASpread — mathematical formulation, transmission mechanisms, and control architecture.


MHASpread operates at two coupled spatial scales:

  1. Within-farm scale — stochastic SEIR dynamics for each host species in isolation
  2. Metapopulation scale — spatial kernel and animal-movement network connecting farms

Both scales are resolved daily in a discrete-time stochastic simulation loop.


Section Overview

Page Content
Model Overview Compartmental structure, differential equations, stochastic framework
Transmission Dynamics Species-specific $\beta$, spatial kernel mechanics, trade-network transmission
Control Strategies Depopulation, ring vaccination, movement standstill, contact tracing

Mathematical Notation

The table below summarises the core symbols used throughout the Model section.

Symbol Meaning Units
$S, E, I, R, V$ Compartment sizes (susceptible, exposed, infectious, recovered, vaccinated) animals
$N_i$ Total population at farm $i$ animals
$\beta$ Transmission coefficient animal$^{-1}$ day$^{-1}$
$\sigma$ Mean latent period days
$\gamma$ Mean infectious period days
$\phi$ Baseline between-farm transmission probability dimensionless
$\alpha$ Spatial kernel decay rate km$^{-1}$
$d_{ij}$ Euclidean distance between farm $i$ and $j$ km
$P_{E_j}(t)$ Probability that farm $j$ is exposed at time $t$ dimensionless

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