Comparing disease-control policies for interacting wild populations

We consider interacting population systems of predator–prey type, presenting four models of control strategies for epidemics among the prey. In particular to contain the transmissible disease, safety niches are considered, assuming they lessen the disease spread, but do not protect prey from predators. This represents a novelty with respect to standard ecosystems where the refuge prevents predators’ attacks. The niche is assumed either to protect the healthy individuals, or to hinder the infected ones to get in contact with the susceptibles, or finally to reduce altogether contacts that might lead to new cases of the infection. In addition, a standard culling procedure is also analyzed. The effectiveness of the different strategies is compared. Probably, the environments providing a place where disease carriers cannot come in contact with the healthy individuals, or where their contact rates are lowered, seem preferable for disease containment.