Modelling the Field Efficacy of Recombinant rDNA (Bm86) Anti-Tick Vaccine Tickgard™ against Boophilus Microplus and Boophilus Decoloratus Ticks

Abstract

Markov chain model was applied in modelling the field efficacy of rDNA vaccine based on recombinant Bm86 (TickGard™) a membrane bound protein gut antigen from Boophilus microplus against Boophilus microplus and Boophilus decoloratus tick species. Data were imputed into a Markov Chain modelling system using the EXCEL programming tool in a mathematical equation that has two major components namely, states and transitions. Simulation of Vaccinated versus Control against the Two tick species at 25°C with relative humidity of 85% showed an initial fluctuation then equilibrium was gained on day 46 for the Control model. Equilibrium was gained on days 30 and 36 for the vaccinated cattle population against B. microplus and Boophilus decoloratus respectively. There was a shortened decadal period of 10 days earlier which has a direct impact on the spread of B. microplus and B. decoloratus in subsequent generations.