Development and application of web-based and mobile tools for risk-driven rabies control in Thailand

Abstract

Rabies is a life-threatening zoonotic disease, with most human cases resulting from dog-mediated transmission. In Thailand, upon the detection of an index canine rabies case, local veterinary authorities are mandated to implement ring vaccination within a 5-km radius. However, the effectiveness of this fixed control zone may vary depending on local conditions. This study developed a spatial-epidemic model to simulate rabies outbreaks in four provinces representing different regions of Thailand: Chiang Rai, Surin, Chonburi, and Songkhla. The model comprised two key components—dog movement analysis and rabies transmission simulation—and was integrated into user-friendly web-based and mobile applications. The simulated outbreak areas comprehensively covered observed outbreak locations. Designed with intuitive interfaces, the applications are accessible to local authorities without technical expertise. Additionally, users can define custom control radii if they prefer to follow traditional ring vaccination protocols. While the model's accuracy depends on the quality of the input—particularly precise dog population data—it offers a more efficient alternative to conventional fixed-radius approaches. Our customized polygonal control boundaries enable more effective resource allocation, representing a significant advancement in rabies outbreak management.