Hi Vasco, thanks a lot for the comment, it’s genuinely helping us improve a document we’re working on.
To clarify: we’re using the concept “excruciating” for two reasons: First of all, it is the term used in reports of human NWS infections, along with “severe”. Secondly, we do think that in the most advanced stages of NWS infections, the pain experienced corresponds to what WFI defines as “excruciating”, as animals will have big areas of innervated tissue being eaten by the larvae. In less advanced stages, it will correspond to what WFI defines as “disabling”:
Pain at this level takes priority over most bids for behavioural execution and prevents most forms of enjoyment or positive welfare. Pain is continuously distressing. Individuals affected by harms in this category often change their activity levels drastically (the degree of disruption in the ability of an organism to function optimally should not be confused with the overt expression of Pain behaviors, which is less likely in prey species). Inattention and unresponsiveness to milder forms of Pain or other ongoing stimuli and surroundings is likely to be observed.
We’re currently working with a team of researchers who are helping us elaborate a thorough CEA of the intervention, and this will be accurately captured, so SFF will have more detailed information about this soon.
Hi Vasco, thanks a lot for the comment, it’s genuinely helping us improve a document we’re working on.
To clarify: we’re using the concept “excruciating” for two reasons: First of all, it is the term used in reports of human NWS infections, along with “severe”. Secondly, we do think that in the most advanced stages of NWS infections, the pain experienced corresponds to what WFI defines as “excruciating”, as animals will have big areas of innervated tissue being eaten by the larvae. In less advanced stages, it will correspond to what WFI defines as “disabling”:
We’re currently working with a team of researchers who are helping us elaborate a thorough CEA of the intervention, and this will be accurately captured, so SFF will have more detailed information about this soon.
Thanks for clarifying, Diego. I would be happy to review the cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) for free if you want.
Obrigado, Vasco! That’s very generous of you. We appreciate your time and energy and will follow up with you.
- Team SFF