Stability Analysis and Optimal Control Strategies of an Echinococcosis Transmission Model

Abstract

This paper presents a deterministic compartmental model for echinococcosis transmission dynamics. The basic reproduction number of the model determines the existence and stability of the disease-free and disease-endemic equilibrium points. We further formulate the optimal control problem and obtain the necessary conditions to minimize the number of infected individuals and the associated costs. Numerical simulations show that optimal control strategies can significantly reduce the number of infected individuals to lower levels. Environmental disinfection may be essential for the elimination of infections. The results of this study will be beneficial for the prevention and control of echinococcosis in the Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and other areas of China.