A geographic information systems model for mapping risk of fasciolosis in cattle and buffaloes in Cambodia

A geographic information systems (GIS) model for mapping the risk of fasciolosis in cattle and buffaloes was developed for the Kingdom of Cambodia using determinants of inundation, proximity to rivers, land use, slope, elevation, and the density of cattle and buffaloes. Determinants were subjectively weighted according to their perceived relative importance before combining them to produce a risk-map of fasciolosis. The model estimates that 28% of Cambodia is potentially at risk of fasciolosis with areas of high and moderate risk concentrated in southern and central Cambodia. The estimates of risk reflect the actual prevalence of fasciolosis in most districts surveyed, suggesting that the epidemiological determinants and weightings used to produce the model were appropriate. These results will be progressively refined as more detailed field surveys are completed to fully validate the model. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.