Cellular automata for contact ecoepidemic processes in predator-prey systems

Spatial ecoepidemic models, in which diseases affect interacting populations, are often explored through reaction-diffusion equations. However, cellular automata (CA) are a widely recognized tool for modelling spatial pattern formation that are broadly analagous to reaction diffusion equations, but provide greater flexibility in defining population dynamics. In this work we present a CA defined to mimic the prey-predators interactions while a pathogen is affecting, in turn, one population. We explore system equilibria, given different initial conditions and local interaction neighborhoods. Furthermore, in the various ecoepidemic systems considered we report the formation of waves and spirals: a key summary of how diseases may spread among individuals. Some inferences on the predators and infection eradication strategies are presented and supported by simulations results. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.