Figures & data
Figure 1 Three scenarios describing the dynamics of a simple reservoir system. (A) Pathogen maintenance in the non-target population and feasible transmission route towards the target population. Only this constellation fulfills the requirements of a functional reservoir system. (B) Pathogen maintenance in the non-target but no feasible transmission route towards the target population. This is a likely situation whether contact rates between the non-target and target populations are below the threshold. (C) No pathogen maintenance in the non-target, but a feasible transmission route exists. An example of the effect of a vaccination strategy in the non-target population. The dynamic of the system is indicated by arrows associated with a ‘t’ (time factor). #Maintenance, *feasible transmission, solid arrows=obligatory, broken line=optional.
Figure 2 The simplicity and functional orientation of the presented framework allows for straightforward application but does not negate more complex populations. The same principles apply to multi-species systems and metapopulations. The defined target group may be adjusted based on interest and may therefore include metapopulations (targets 1 and 2). The non-target group increases in complexity due to the inclusion of multiple populations (a–d). (A) Similarly, to a simple reservoir system, all susceptible populations that connect to the target either (a) directly or (b–d) indirectly are part of the non-target population. (B) Temporal shifts in the ecological landscape of the non-target population may lead to the (d) exclusion of populations either due to lack of connectivity or susceptibility. The dynamic of the system is indicated by arrows associated with a ‘t’ (time factor). #Maintenance, *feasible transmission, solid arrows=obligatory, broken line=optional.
Table 1 Applicable requirements that need to be fulfilled for the acceptance of a disease reservoir and their exemplary use in selected diseases that are known to infect humans and animals
