The importance of spatial vector distribution models to prevent tick-borne diseases in cattle in Ecuador
(2023) Annual Health Geography Symposium for Ph.D. and emerging researchers 2023 — Location: Online (14.December.2023)
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- Authors
Pérez Otáñez, Ximena 
- et. al.
- Abstract
- Hard ticks impact cattle in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. In the case of Ecuador, the primary species identified on cattle in this study is Rhipicephalus microplus. These species result in economic losses for cattle farmers, not only affecting the health of the cattle through pathogen transmission but also indirectly impacting human health due to the chemicals used for control and their residues. The spatial distribution of these species has been linked, in other countries, primarily to variables associated with temperature. The objective of this study was to determine the distribution of R. microplus and generate a predictive map for this species in continental Ecuador. For this research, 2895 farms were visited between 2012 and 2015, where animals were inspected, and information and tick samples were collected. Using Quantum GIS 3.0.1 and the georeferenced points from each farm, distribution maps were created. In the Random Forest model, 19 bioclimatic variables, along with vapor pressure obtained from “Climatologies at High resolution for the Earth's Land Surface Areas" (CHELSA), were employed. As a result, R. microplus was present in 38.51% of the farms. Random Forest prediction models were established for R. microplus, with validation values: Accuracy = 0.97, Sensitivity = 0.96, and Specificity = 0.96. The bioclimatic factors integrated into the Random Forest model were Bio 1, Bio14, Bio4, Bio12, Bio13, Bio3, Vapor pressure max and min, Bio 2, and Bio 18. In conclusion, the models derived from tick records and bioclimatic variables can predict the distribution at the level of continental Ecuador. Spatial modeling of ticks, is crucial for preventing diseases transmitted to cattle. It provides insights into geographical distribution, enabling targeted control strategies. This helps anticipate risk areas, implement preventive measures, and efficiently manage cattle health, reducing economic losses and promoting animal well-being.
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Citations
Pérez Otáñez, X., & et al. (2023). The importance of spatial vector distribution models to prevent tick-borne diseases in cattle in Ecuador. Annual Health Geography Symposium for Ph.D. and emerging researchers 2023, Online. https://hdl.handle.net/2078.5/260677