Using Simulation Modeling to Evaluate the Impact of Proactive Tethering Methodologies on Guinea Worm Infections Among Dogs in Chad

The detection of Guinea worm, or dracunculiasis, infections in animals, particularly dogs in Chad, has created challenges for related eradication efforts globally. Proactive tethering is a recent intervention employed to contain dogs and minimize potential exposure to water sources. Approximately 84% of 40,962 eligible dogs were reportedly tethered in Chad during 2023. However, household adherence to tethering intervention guidelines is not always uniform or ideal, with some dogs released from tethering at night and others tethered only intermittently. We adapt an agent-based simulation model to analyze various proactive tethering scenarios. Selecting dogs for tethering randomly each day results in up to 7 times fewer infections over time than tethering a fixed selection of dogs. Releasing dogs from tethering for part of the day results in up to 25 times more infections compared to full-day tethering. Understanding the impacts of proactive tethering practices can inform implementation strategies for interventions.