Individual-Based Modelling of Animal Brucellosis Spread with the Use of Complex Networks

Abstract

Article Individual-Based Modelling of Animal Brucellosis Spread with the Use of Complex Networks E. R. Pinto 1, E. G. Nepomuceno 2,*, and A. S. L. O. Campanharo 1 1 Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Biosciences São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo 18618-970, Brazil 2 Department of Electronic Engineering and Centre for Ocean Energy Research, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland * Correspondence: erivelton.nepomuceno@mu.ie     Received: 12 October 2022 Accepted: 23 November 2022 Published: 22 December 2022   Abstract: The principal purpose of this work was to study the spread of brucellosis in the state of São Paulo with the help of the complex network theory and to propose control measures for its eradication. For this, the scale-free model of complex networks, widely known in the literature, was used. The effect of vaccination was verified in each of the municipalities in the state of São Paulo and it was observed that when heterogeneity is not taken into account, vaccination becomes ineffective for the eradication of the disease.