The importance of epidemiological data and models for wildlife conservation and biocontrol

Emerging infectious disease is a global concern for humans, but many people do not realize that pathogens can also devastate wildlife populations. Epidemiological models allow us to quantitatively understand the interactions between hosts, their pathogens, and the environment. By collecting and integrating the right types of data, these models can be used to predict future outbreaks, to develop control strategies (for both limiting and enhancing disease spread), and to test our basic knowledge about how disease systems function. This talk focuses on the practical use of epidemiological modeling for conservation and biocontrol, particularly in the US Southwest and Mexico.