Principles of Epizootiology and Microbial Control

Abstract

An epizootic is defined as an outbreak of disease in which there is an unusually large number of cases. A central question in insect pathology is: what are the factors that cause an epizootic? The question is addressed through the discipline of epizootiology, i.e., the study of animal disease dynamics on a population level. The major factors influencing an epizootic can be divided into four basic components: (1) the pathogen population; (2) the host population; (3) transmission; and (4) the environment. Although the question pertaining to the causes of an epizootic is of great interest to all aspects of insect pathology, it is of particular interest to microbial control efforts. Microbial control can be defined as the use of entomopathogens (viruses, fungi, bacteria, protists, or nematodes) for pest suppression. This chapter presents a summary and analysis of epizootiological principles and the concepts of microbial control. The goal is to promote expanded studies in epizootiology, and foster research and implementation toward improved microbial control programs.