Improving the oral immunization of foxes (Vulpes vulpes) against rabies with the help of an evolutionary algorithm

In this paper a computer simulation program describing the time course of the immunization rate of the fox (Vulpes vulpes) within 6 years is linked with an evolutionary strategy in order to determine cost efficient oral immunization strategies. The evolutionary algorithm is capable of determining optimal times for bait distribution and optimal numbers of baits needed to achieve a continuously high immunization rate of at least 70% within a period of 6 years at low cost. Compared to the usual strategy (baseline comparator) the improved strategy proposed incurs 1/4 the cost, while doubling the number of weeks when the immunization rate is above 0.7.