Modeling the Impact of Behavioral Changes on Disease Dynamics in Prey-Predator Eco-Epidemic Systems

This study elucidates the impact of infectious diseases on both predator and prey populations and how the dynamics of these species, in turn, affect disease transmission. A focal point is the SIS eco-epidemiological model, focusing on disease transmission from susceptible prey to predators. Infected prey and predator’s exhibit reduced reproduction and consistent resource depletion. Survival of susceptible predators depends on infected prey, potentially leading to their infection. Despite unaffected predation ability, infected predators face elevated mortality rates. Additionally, an ecological-epidemiological model is introduced, focusing on prey populations afflicted by disease and its transmission to predator species. This study bridges a significant gap in understanding the complex interactions between diseases, predator-prey systems, and ecological dynamics. Novelty lies in the comprehensive analysis of diverse eco-epidemiological models, including those accounting for migration, density-dependent mortality, and competitiveness among infected prey. The study investigates how different factors influence disease persistence leading to population declines. This work contributes to a deeper understanding of eco-epidemiology and its practical applications in ecological conservation and disease management. It sheds light on the critical role of the infection-age distribution among initial infectives, which can significantly impact population dynamics. The research offers a unique perspective on the interplay of diseases in predator-prey systems and their broader ecological implications. ...