Mathematical Models of Insect Pest Control

Citation

Norman R, Fenton A, Fairbairn JP & Hudson PJ (2003) Mathematical Models of Insect Pest Control. In: Upadhyay R (ed.) Advances in Microbial Control of Insect Pests. New York: Springer, pp. 313-322. http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4757-4437-8_16

Abstract
Over the past 25 years a vast literature has built up describing the use of mathematical models to predict the effects of parasites (broadly defined here to include viruses, bacteria and parasitoids) on the dynamics of their host(s).The results of these models can be interpreted in two ways. In many cases we are interested in controlling the disease for public health or economic reasons and there has been extensive research in this area, particularly with reference to diseases such as measles. Models of this type have even been used to determine UK government policy for diseases such as BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy) and Foot and Mouth disease.