The influence of empirical contact networks on modelling diseases in cattle

► We used recorded contact data between cattle to create networks and passed model SEIR disease through both. ► Recorded networks had more repeated contacts than mass-action networks. ► A lower proportion of simulations of the recorded network produced any disease spread compared to mass-action simulations. ► Fewer infected animals were predicted in the simulations of the recorded network that produced disease spread. ► Network structure affected disease spread and so should be accounted for.