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 3-5 yr cycle in fox populations infected with rabies, threshold densities and average levels of prevalence of infection. The possibilities of controlling rabies by culling or vaccinating foxes (or by a mixture of the 2) are quantitatively discussed.