Prompt 1— (Chapter 15) What is a reservoir host species? Please define it clearly. If a parasite has a reservoir host species, how effectively will the parasite population be controlled by immunizing a susceptible host species? Please use an example to make your argument. (Hint: Contrast the outcome of control with vs. without a reservoir host species.)
Prompt 2— (Chapter 15) What is an emerging infectious disease? Please define it clearly. Why might we continue to discover new emerging infectious diseases? Please give at least 2 reasons, and explain them clearly.
Prompt 3— (Chapter 15) The S-I-R model of parasite and host dynamics that you have learned is a simple model. For example, it does not consider the situation that allow new susceptible individuals to be added (via immigration or birth) into the population. So, how would the outcome change if we allow new susceptible individuals to be added into the population? (Note: This would be closer to the real situation as we have seen in COVID-19). (Hint: Contrast the outcome of the model before vs. after allowing susceptible individuals to be added.)
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