Abstract
Rabies virus is a Lyssavirus of continued global concern, both from a medical and veterinary standpoint. Dog mediated rabies is responsible for 99% of human rabies cases, with susceptible individuals becoming exposed to the virus through the bite of an infected dog. Understanding the limiting factors associated with the success of mass dog vaccination campaigns, is imperative in producing cost-effective strategies and support progression towards the global 2030 target of zero dog-mediated human rabies deaths.
The result of this thesis has been the conceptualisation, and design, of novel One Health focused research to generate new knowledge and understanding at the forefront of disease control. To do this, I have for the first time, quantified the link between deprivations (at the global and regional level), healthcare inequalities, and disease prevalence. Additionally, I have integrated dog demographics and population dynamics, to create a spatially explicit model for rabies, based on our understanding of the disease, and the economic consequences of interventions.
The research presented in this thesis has generated new knowledge and understanding of dog rabies control methods and captured the impact that dog density and movement has on reaching disease elimination timelines. Additionally, I provide a sophisticated cost-effectiveness analysis to equip decision makers with evidence on where best to place resources to have the greatest impact on reducing disease, while remaining cost-effective.
Lastly, the research included within this thesis has resulted in four accepted publications presented in Chapters 2, 3 4, and 5 (PLOS NTDs, International Health, Journal of Infection and Public Health, and American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene respectively).