Using network theory to survey for Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum

Pathogens are well known to spread through networks of conveyors. The resulting distribution and progress of disease is often quite different to expected distributions made by compartmental models (natural spread). This paper outlines the use of network theory to target risk sites for surveillance of Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum. Results are presented together with a discussion on the likely role that the conveyor network for Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum has played in the spread of the disease and its vector within New Zealand and on-going implications.