Effectiveness Of Different Control Measures Research Articles

Sliding dynamics and optimal control of avian influenza model with saturated incidence rate

AbstractIn this paper, we develop a susceptible‐infective‐susceptible‐infected‐recovered avian influenza model with saturated incidence rate and three control measures, which is proposed to evaluate the comprehensive effects of different control measures on the spread of avian influenza. Based on the threshold policy, the threshold level is used as the reference index of whether to take control measures. No control measures will be taken when the total number of infected birds and humans is less than the threshold level. Otherwise, the three control measures will be implemented simultaneously to mitigate the spread of the disease. Furthermore, by using the Utkin equivalent control method, the existence of sliding mode equation and its dynamics are investigated. Additionally, the method of dynamic programming is introduced to study the optimal control for the model. Through constructing and proving the existence of viscosity solution of the corresponding Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation, the optimal control pair is further obtained. Finally, numerical simulations are performed to illustrate the corresponding theoretical analysis results.

Effects of Different Control Measures on Cadmium and Lead Accumulation and Quality in Lettuce

To explore the safe utilization technology of farmland polluted by the heavy metals cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) and to realize the safe production of agricultural products, a pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of two soil passivators and five foliar inhibitors on Cd and Cd-accumulation and quality of lettuce with low Pb and Cd accumulation (KCW). The results showed that different control measures had different effects on the soil pH value of lettuce, and the application of 45 g·m-2biochar-based passivator had the most significant difference in improving the soil pH value, which was increased by 0.8 units compared with that in CK. By using 72 g·m-2 of humic acid passivator yielded notable difference in reducing the soil pH value of lettuce. A reduction of 0.25 units was achieved compared with that in CK. Among all the control measures, the application of 45 g·m-2 biocharcoal-based passivation agent had the best effect on reducing soil available Cd content, which was significantly reduced by 53% compared with that in CK, and the application of 135 g·m-2biocharcoal-based passivation agent had the best effect on reducing soil available Pb content, which was significantly reduced by 64% compared with that in CK. Spraying 0.8% FAK-Zn foliar inhibitor not only had the best control effect on reducing Cd and Pb contents in the edible parts of lettuce, which were significantly reduced by 77% and 60%, respectively, compared with that in CK, but it also significantly reduced Cd and Pb enrichment coefficients and transport coefficients from the root to the edible parts of the lettuce. Different control measures had different effects on the nutritional quality of lettuce, and 0.4% FAK-Zn foliar inhibitor had the best effect on soluble protein. The 0.6% FAK-Zn had the best effect on soluble sugar, and the 0.4% FAK-Zn inhibitor had the best effect on vitamin C content. The application of biocarbon-based passivator could effectively repair lettuce soil polluted by Cd and Pb, whereas the application of FAK-Zn leaf surface inhibitor could effectively inhibit the accumulation, absorption, and transfer of Cd and Pb in lettuce; improve the nutritional quality of lettuce; provide a theoretical basis for safe production of vegetables polluted by heavy metals; and promote the recycling of resources and environment.

Optimization of Rockburst Risk Control Measures for Deeply Buried TBM Tunnels: A Case Study

Choosing reasonable control measures for different intensity rockburst risks not only effectively prevents and mitigates rockburst risks but also reduces time and engineering investment costs. Due to the limitations of the tunnel boring machine’s structure and working conditions, tunnels excavated by TBMs are highly susceptible to rockbursts. What is even worse is that there are very few measures to control the rockburst risk in these tunnels. Implementing reasonable control measures from the limited mitigation measures to control and mitigate rockburst in TBM tunnels is an urgent problem that warrants a solution. In this paper, a large number of on-site rockburst risk control cases and a large amount of MS monitoring data (the total mileage of MS monitoring is approximately 7 km, lasting for 482 days) are used to derive a reasonable scheme to control the rockburst risk of different intensities in twin TBM tunnels. First, the rockburst early warning effect of the two headrace tunnels of the Neelum–Jhelum hydropower station based on microseismic monitoring is analyzed. Second, based on highly accurate rockburst warning results, 94 rockburst risk control cases are applied to analyze the control effect of different control measures at different intensities of rockburst risk. Then, by combining factors such as the time cost and expense cost of different control measures, more reasonable control measures for different intensity rockburst risks are proposed: for slight rockburst risk, normal excavation is preferred; for moderate rockburst risk, horizontal destress boreholes are preferred; and for intense rockburst risk, a combination of measures of shortening daily advance and horizontal destress boreholes is preferred. The research results can provide a reference for other TBM excavation projects to carry out rockburst risk prevention and mitigation.

Transmission dynamics of brucellosis in Jilin province, China: Effects of different control measures

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease, which has gave rise to massive financial burden to animal husbandry in China. Jilin province is one of the worst-hit areas of brucellosis and thus understanding the transmission mechanism of brucellosis is of great significance for successful containment. In this paper, we leverage a discrete-time human-sheep coupled model constructed by employing backward Euler method to investigate the effects of different control measures on the brucellosis transmission in Jilin province. Firstly, we introduce the basic reproduction number R0 which completely determines the threshold dynamics. Secondly, the parameters values of the transmission dynamics are estimated based on the confirmed human brucellosis cases and the trend of newly infected human brucellosis cases are simulated for the next few years in Jilin province, and the simulated results elucidate that brucellosis will not disappear in a short time. Lastly, we reveal that enlarging the frequency and effectiveness of disinfection, the efficacy of propaganda and education, and the elimination rate can reduce the prevalent time and final scale of brucellosis in Jilin Province. Specifically speaking, when the disinfection frequency τ=0.0666 and the effective disinfection rate δ=0.3, the incidence of brucellosis can be dropped to less than 1 per 100,000 eleven years ahead of baseline model. When the effectiveness of propaganda and education is 60%, the control target will be attained eight years in advance. When the elimination rate μ increases by 20%, brucellosis can reach the control target ten years ahead. However, when the new born number of sheep exceeds 12075 or the elimination rate is below 0.00234, the brucellosis will outbreak promptly. Overall, the obtained results may be conductive to suppress the spread of brucellosis.

Advance on theoretical epidemiology models research of prevention and control of COVID-19

COVID-19 has brought a significant impact to the global health system, and also opportunities and challenges to epidemiological researches. Theoretical epidemiological models can simulate the process of epidemic in scenarios under different conditions. Therefore, modeling researches can analyze the epidemical trend of COVID-19, predict epidemical risks, and evaluate effects of different control measures and vaccine policies. Theoretical epidemiological modeling researches provide scientific advice for the prevention and control of infectious diseases, and play a crucial role in containing COVID-19 over the past year. In this study, we review the theoretical epidemiological modeling researches on COVID-19 and summarize the role of theoretical epidemiological models in the prevention and control of COVID-19, in order to provide reference for the combination of mathematical modeling and epidemic control.

Time-Varying Spatial Memory Model and Its Impact on Virus Spreading

The models of time-varying network have a profound impact on the study of virus spreading on the networks. On the basis of an activity-driven memory evolution model, a time-varying spatial memory model (TSM) is proposed. In the TSM model, the cumulative number of connections between nodes is recorded, and the spatiality of nodes is considered at the same time. Therefore, the active nodes tend to connect the nodes with high intimacy and close proximity. Then, the TSM model is applied to epidemic spreading, and the epidemic spreading on different models is compared. To verify the universality of the TSM model, this model is also applied to rumor spreading, and it is proved that it can also play a good inhibiting effect. We find that, in the TSM network, the introduction of spatiality and memory can slow down the propagation speed and narrow the propagation scope of disease or rumor, and memory is more important. We then explore the impact of different prevention and control methods on pandemic spreading to provide reference for COVID-19 management control and find when the activity of node is restricted, the spreading will be controlled. As floating population has been acknowledged as a key parameter that affects the situation of COVID-19 after work resumption, the factor of population mobility is introduced to calculate the interregional population interaction rate, and the time-varying interregional epidemic model is established. Finally, our results of infectious disease parameters based on daily cases are in good agreement with the real data, and the effectiveness of different control measures is evaluated.

Mathematical modeling of leptospirosis: A dynamic regulated by environmental carrying capacity

Leptospirosis is a public health problem whose main vectors are rodents. The main objective of this work is to study the dynamics of this zoonosis considering the interactions between rodents and humans. We assume that the rodent population presents a logistic growth unlike previous papers that consider exponential growth. We present a SI-SIR model for the dynamics of leptospirosis, also analyze the stability of its equilibriums and obtain an equation for the basic reproduction number,R0. In this case, it depends on rodents infection rate, birth rate and environmental carrying capacity, K. We estimate a threshold for K which determines the extinction or persistence of the disease. Furthermore, we analyze the sensitivity of R0 and we propose a way of quantifying the effect of different control measures on infection dynamics. Finally, we show numerical simulations in order to visualize our theoretical results.

A framework for adaptive control of multi-reservoir systems under changing environment

The changing environment has led to significant changes in the supply and demand of runoff, directly affecting the benefits of the multi-reservoir systems. Adaptive operation and quantitative control can hedge against the negative effects of changing environment for multi-reservoir systems, while studies related to the general theory and methods or models of such operations are inadequate. In this context, an adaptive control framework for multi-reservoir systems is proposed from a supply and demand perspective. Under this framework, a multi-objective optimal operation model is first established for adaptive control analysis, and the adaptive control measures based on supply-side, demand-side, and supply-demand linkage perspectives are designed. The effects of different control measures are further evaluated through scenario simulation analysis to recommend control schemes, using a multi-reservoir system in the Upper Yangtze River Basin of China as an example. The results suggest that the supply-demand linkage is an effective method to minimize the negative effects of changing environment on multi-reservoir systems, such as changes in runoff, increasing demands in water supply, population growth and socioeconomic development, etc. The proposed framework is shown to be feasible and effective in developing control measures for multi-reservoir systems to adapt to changing environments, which can provide a theoretical basis for the management of multi-reservoir systems under changing environments.

Modelling the effectiveness of intervention strategies to control COVID-19 outbreaks and estimating healthcare demand in Germany

ObjectivesAn outbreak of the novel coronavirus in December 2019 caused a worldwide pandemic. This disease also impacts European countries, including Germany. Without effective medicines or vaccines, non-pharmaceutical interventions are the best strategy to reduce the number of cases. Study designA deterministic model was simulated to evaluate the number of infectious and healthcare demand. MethodUsing an age-structured SEIR model for the COVID-19 transmission, we project the COVID-19–associated demand for hospital and ICU beds within Germany. We estimated the effectiveness of different control measures, including active case-finding and quarantining of asymptomatic persons, self-isolation of people who had contact with an infectious person, and physical distancing, as well as a combination of these control measures. ResultsWe found that contact tracing could reduce the peak of ICU beds as well as mass testing. The time delay between diagnosis and self-isolation influences the control measures. Physical distancing to limit the contact rate would delay the peak of the outbreak, which results in the demand for ICU beds being below the capacity during the early outbreak. ConclusionsOur study analyzed several scenarios in order to provide policymakers that face the pandemic of COVID-19 with insights into the different measures available. We highlight that the individuals who have had contact with a virus-positive person must be quarantined as soon as possible to reduce contact with possible infectious cases and to reduce transmission. Keeping physical distance and having fewer contacts should be implemented to prevent overwhelming ICU demand.

A multi-regional, hierarchical-tier mathematical model of the spread and control of COVID-19 epidemics from epicentre to adjacent regions.

Epicentres are the focus of COVID‐19 research, whereas emerging regions with mainly imported cases due to population movement are often neglected. Classical compartmental models are useful, however, likely oversimplify the complexity when studying epidemics. This study aimed to develop a multi‐regional, hierarchical‐tier mathematical model for better understanding the complexity and heterogeneity of COVID‐19 spread and control. By incorporating the epidemiological and population flow data, we have successfully constructed a multi‐regional, hierarchical‐tier SLIHR model. With this model, we revealed insight into how COVID‐19 was spread from the epicentre Wuhan to other regions in Mainland China based on the large population flow network data. By comprehensive analysis of the effects of different control measures, we identified that Level 1 emergency response, community prevention and application of big data tools significantly correlate with the effectiveness of local epidemic containment across different provinces of China outside the epicentre. In conclusion, our multi‐regional, hierarchical‐tier SLIHR model revealed insight into how COVID‐19 spread from the epicentre Wuhan to other regions of China, and the subsequent control of local epidemics. These findings bear important implications for many other countries and regions to better understand and respond to their local epidemics associated with the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic.

The Epidemiological and Economic Impact of a Potential Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak in Austria.

An outbreak of foot-and mouth disease (FMD) in an FMD-free country such as Austria would likely have serious consequences for the national livestock sector and economy. The objective of this study was to analyse the epidemiological and economic impact of an FMD outbreak in Austria in order to (i) evaluate the effectiveness of different control measures in two Austrian regions with different livestock structure and density, (ii) analyse the associated costs of the control measures and the losses resulting from trade restrictions on livestock and livestock products and (iii) assess the resources that would be required to control the FMD outbreak. The European Foot-and-Mouth Disease Spread Model (EuFMDiS) was used to simulate a potential FMD outbreak. Based on the epidemiological outputs of the model, the economic impact of the outbreak was assessed. The analysis of the simulations showed that the success of control strategies depends largely on the type of control measures, the geographical location, the availability of sufficient resources, and the speed of intervention. The comparison of different control strategies suggested that from an economic point of view the implementation of additional control measures, such as pre-emptive depopulation of susceptible herds, would be efficient if the epidemic started in an area with high livestock density. Depending on the chosen control measures and the affected region, the majority of the total costs would be attributable to export losses (e.g., each day of an FMD epidemic costs Austria € 9–16 million). Our analysis indicated that the currently estimated resources for surveillance, cleaning, and disinfection during an FMD outbreak in Austria would be insufficient, which would lead to an extended epidemic control duration. We have shown that the control of an FMD outbreak can be improved by implementing a contingency strategy adapted to the affected region and by placing particular focus on an optimal resource allocation and rapid detection of the disease in Austria. The model results can assist veterinary authorities in planning resources and implementing cost-effective control measures for future outbreaks of highly contagious viral diseases.

A new SEAIRD pandemic prediction model with clinical and epidemiological data analysis on COVID-19 outbreak.

Measuring the spread of disease during a pandemic is critically important for accurately and promptly applying various lockdown strategies, so to prevent the collapse of the medical system. The latest pandemic of COVID-19 that hits the world death tolls and economy loss very hard, is more complex and contagious than its precedent diseases. The complexity comes mostly from the emergence of asymptomatic patients and relapse of the recovered patients which were not commonly seen during SARS outbreaks. These new characteristics pertaining to COVID-19 were only discovered lately, adding a level of uncertainty to the traditional SEIR models. The contribution of this paper is that for the COVID-19 epidemic, which is infectious in both the incubation period and the onset period, we use neural networks to learn from the actual data of the epidemic to obtain optimal parameters, thereby establishing a nonlinear, self-adaptive dynamic coefficient infectious disease prediction model. On the basis of prediction, we considered control measures and simulated the effects of different control measures and different strengths of the control measures. The epidemic control is predicted as a continuous change process, and the epidemic development and control are integrated to simulate and forecast. Decision-making departments make optimal choices. The improved model is applied to simulate the COVID-19 epidemic in the United States, and by comparing the prediction results with the traditional SEIR model, SEAIRD model and adaptive SEAIRD model, it is found that the adaptive SEAIRD model’s prediction results of the U.S. COVID-19 epidemic data are in good agreement with the actual epidemic curve. For example, from the prediction effect of these 3 different models on accumulative confirmed cases, in terms of goodness of fit, adaptive SEAIRD model (0.99997) ≈ SEAIRD model (0.98548) > Classical SEIR model (0.66837); in terms of error value: adaptive SEAIRD model (198.6563) < < SEAIRD model(4739.8577) < < Classical SEIR model (22,652.796); The objective of this contribution is mainly on extending the current spread prediction model. It incorporates extra compartments accounting for the new features of COVID-19, and fine-tunes the new model with neural network, in a bid of achieving a higher level of prediction accuracy. Based on the SEIR model of disease transmission, an adaptive model called SEAIRD with internal source and isolation intervention is proposed. It simulates the effects of the changing behaviour of the SARS-CoV-2 in U.S. Neural network is applied to achieve a better fit in SEAIRD. Unlike the SEIR model, the adaptive SEAIRD model embraces multi-group dynamics which lead to different evolutionary trends during the epidemic. Through the risk assessment indicators of the adaptive SEAIRD model, it is convenient to measure the severity of the epidemic situation for consideration of different preventive measures. Future scenarios are projected from the trends of various indicators by running the adaptive SEAIRD model.

Effects of different control measures on physical and chemical properties of greenhouse soil and pepper growth

Effects of different control measures on physical and chemical properties of greenhouse soil and pepper growth

The Effect of Control Measures on COVID-19 Transmission and Work Resumption: International Evidence

Many countries have taken non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to contain the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and push the recovery of national economies. This paper investigates the effect of these control measures by comparing five selected countries, China, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. There is evidence that the degree of early intervention and efficacy of control measures are essential to contain the pandemic. China stands out because its early and strictly enforced interventions are effective to contain the virus spread. Furthermore, we quantify the causal effect of different control measures on COVID-19 transmission and work resumption in China. Surprisingly, digital contact tracing and delegating clear responsibility to the local community appear to be the two most effective policy measures for disease containment and work resumption. Public information campaigns and social distancing also help to flatten the peak significantly. Moreover, material logistics that prevent medical supply shortages provide an additional conditioning factor for disease containment and work resumption. Fiscal policy, however, is less effective at the early to middle stage of the pandemic.

Effects of non-pharmaceutical interventions on COVID-19 cases, deaths, and demand for hospital services in the UK: a modelling study

SummaryBackgroundNon-pharmaceutical interventions have been implemented to reduce transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the UK. Projecting the size of an unmitigated epidemic and the potential effect of different control measures has been crucial to support evidence-based policy making during the early stages of the epidemic. This study assesses the potential impact of different control measures for mitigating the burden of COVID-19 in the UK.MethodsWe used a stochastic age-structured transmission model to explore a range of intervention scenarios, tracking 66·4 million people aggregated to 186 county-level administrative units in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The four base interventions modelled were school closures, physical distancing, shielding of people aged 70 years or older, and self-isolation of symptomatic cases. We also modelled the combination of these interventions, as well as a programme of intensive interventions with phased lockdown-type restrictions that substantially limited contacts outside of the home for repeated periods. We simulated different triggers for the introduction of interventions, and estimated the impact of varying adherence to interventions across counties. For each scenario, we projected estimated new cases over time, patients requiring inpatient and critical care (ie, admission to the intensive care units [ICU]) treatment, and deaths, and compared the effect of each intervention on the basic reproduction number, R0.FindingsWe projected a median unmitigated burden of 23 million (95% prediction interval 13–30) clinical cases and 350 000 deaths (170 000–480 000) due to COVID-19 in the UK by December, 2021. We found that the four base interventions were each likely to decrease R0, but not sufficiently to prevent ICU demand from exceeding health service capacity. The combined intervention was more effective at reducing R0, but only lockdown periods were sufficient to bring R0 near or below 1; the most stringent lockdown scenario resulted in a projected 120 000 cases (46 000–700 000) and 50 000 deaths (9300–160 000). Intensive interventions with lockdown periods would need to be in place for a large proportion of the coming year to prevent health-care demand exceeding availability.InterpretationThe characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 mean that extreme measures are probably required to bring the epidemic under control and to prevent very large numbers of deaths and an excess of demand on hospital beds, especially those in ICUs.FundingMedical Research Council.

Global dynamics and sliding motion in A(H7N9) epidemic models with limited resources and Filippov control

This paper investigates the effects of different control measures on the dynamics of A(H7N9) virus transmission from poultry to human. An SI-SIR model with nonlinear incidence and recovery rates is formulated to evaluate the combined impacts of government intervention strategies and available hospital resources. The global stability of the disease-free and endemic equilibria is obtained by constructing Lyapunov and Dulac functions. Furthermore, based on the threshold policy, the SI-SIR model is extended to a novel three-dimensional Filippov one to represent the control measures being triggered once the total number of infected poultry and human reaches the tolerant level Ic. Model solutions are able to approach either one real equilibrium or the pseudo-equilibrium, depending on the tolerant threshold. Our results suggest that in order to diminish the outbreak of A(H7N9) virus or lead the number of infections to an expected level, it requires not only adequate hospital resources and certain government interventions, but also a good threshold policy.

Modelling the Effects of Snail Control and Health Education in Clonorchiasis Infection in Foshan, China

Clonorchiasis is the most important food‐borne parasitic disease in China. In this paper, a mathematical model of clonorchiasis sinensis is proposed to mimic its transmission dynamics to assess the effects of intervention strategies such as snail control, health education, and chemotherapy. A threshold dynamics in terms of the basic reproductive number R0 has been established; that is, if R0 &lt; 1, the disease dies out and the disease‐free periodic solution is globally asymptotically stable, and if R0 &gt; 1, then the disease breaks out. The effects of different control measures are compared by numerical simulations. The numerical results suggest that it is necessary to strengthen health education and improve faeces management and illustrate that snail control is the most effective way to be implemented in the clonorchiasis sinensis control in Foshan.

Effectiveness of control measures of Mikania micrantha on grassland: a case study from grassland in Sauraha area of Chitwan National Park

The spread of Mikania micrantha is causing a serious threat to native ecosystem in the tropical and sub-tropical parts of Nepal. The main objective of the study was to analyse the effectiveness of different control measures applied in the grasslands of Chitwan National Park (CNP) by comparing number and coverage of M. micrantha and native grass species. The three experimental sites were grassland of the CNP. These sites were delineated from Etrex 30, Global Positioning System (GPS) and GIS 10.3.2 in April, 2013. A block with size of 100 m x 100 m was separated by fire line on all sides for each treatment in each site. Systematic sampling with random start was used to establish sample plots within each block. Six sample plots were established in each block. The size of each plot was 2 m x 0.4 m (0.8 m2). The distance between one sample plot to another sample plot was 40 m. Three treatments applied in three blocks of each site were controlled fire, manual cutting and control (no treatment).Seedlings of M. micrantha and native grasses were counted and their coverage assessed in each plot. The coverage and number of native grass species were higher in controlled fire plot than in manual cutting and control plots. The study concludes that controlled fire is better than manual cutting and control treatments for the management of grassland. This study will help to different stakeholders to control its outreach, make polices, proper management of grasslands that are being affected by the invasion of M. micrantha. Banko JanakariA Journal of Forestry Information for Nepal Special Issue No. 4, 2018, Page: 144-149

Effectiveness of different control measures against western corn rootworm larvae Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, 1868

&lt;p&gt;The Western Corn Rootworm (WCR), &lt;em&gt;Diabrotica virgifera virgifera&lt;/em&gt; LeConte, 1868, [Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae], whose larvae cause damage to maize roots, is an important economic insect pest in America and Europe. Its larvae are usually controlled by granular soil insecticides or insecticide-treated seeds. Biological control options, such as entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) have played an important role as an alternative for synthetic chemical insecticides. Therefore, for the WCR larvae control we compared the effectiveness of inundative biological control on the basis of EPN &lt;em&gt;Heterorhabditis bacteriophora&lt;/em&gt; Poinar, 1976 (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae); (commercial product Dianem&lt;sup&gt;®&lt;/sup&gt;) and the conventional insecticides Force 1.5 g (active substance tefluthrin) from the group of synthetic pyrethriods and Sonido (active substance thiacloprid) from the group of neonicotinoids. Field experiments were carried out at geographically different locations under different population pressure of the insect pest in a), Bučečovci (Prlekija; Eastern Slovenia) and b), Šmartno (Gorenjska: northern Slovenia). The differences between the treatments were very similar at both locations; although the population of WCR in Gorenjska was approximately 5-fold lower than in Prlekija. The highest number of WCR beetles was caught in the negative control, followed by the product Sonido, Force and Dianem&lt;sup&gt;®&lt;/sup&gt;, in decreasing order. Statistical analysis showed that only in the treatment where EPN were used, significantly less WCR was caught than in the control. The results of the WCR larvae control in maize using &lt;em&gt;Heterorhabditis bacteriophora&lt;/em&gt; are comparable to published literature. However, the weather conditions in the 2016 trial were very favorable for the development and survival of EPN in the soil.&lt;/p&gt;

Canine visceral leishmaniasis: Diagnosis and management of the reservoir living among us.

This article reviews essential topics of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) due to Leishmania infantum infection. It focuses on the current serological and molecular diagnostic methods used in epidemiological research and veterinary clinics to diagnose CVL and includes new point-of-care (POC) tests under development. The efficacy of different treatment regimens on the clinical improvement and infectiousness of dogs is also addressed. In the last section, the review provides a critical appraisal of the effectiveness of different control measures that have been implemented to curb disease transmission.