Simulation of rabies control within an increasing fox population

The propagation of rabies within an increasing population of foxes is studied. A one-dimensional discrete deterministic model is devised to analyze the evolution of a given population which is infected. We investigate the influence of the dispersal distance and of the mortality rate induced by rabies on the propagation of the epidemic. We find that there is a linear dependance between these two parameters and the propagation of rabies in the population of foxes. Then the effect and the success of an oral vaccination program for the eradication of rabies are discussed with the help of numerical simulations. We show that with a vaccination rate less than 70% per year, the epidemic will persist, but if the rate is increased up to 75%, rabies will disappear.