A simple spatiotemporal rabies model for skunk and bat interaction in northeast Texas

We formulate a simple partial differential equation model in an effort to qualitatively reproduce the spread dynamics and spatial pattern of rabies in northeast Texas with overlapping reservoir species (skunks and bats). Most existing models ignore reservoir species or model them with patchy models by ordinary differential equations. In our model, we incorporate interspecies rabies infection in addition to rabid population random movement. We apply this model to the confirmed case data from northeast Texas with most parameter values obtained or computed from the literature. Results of simulations using both our skunk-only model and our skunk and bat model demonstrate that the model with overlapping reservoir species more accurately reproduces the progression of rabies spread in northeast Texas.

► A PDE model is formulated for the dynamics of rabies spread among bats and skunks. ► We incorporate interspecies rabies infection in addition to rabid random movement. ► We apply this model to the confirmed case data from Texas. ► Simulations with overlapping reservoir species accurately reproduce the case data.