An ecoepidemic food chain with the disease at the intermediate trophic level

Abstract

We consider a three-level food chain in which an epidemics affects the intermediate population. Two models are presented, respectively either allowing for unlimited food supply for the bottom prey, or instead assuming for it a logistic growth. Counterintuitive results related to the paradox of enrichment are obtained, showing that by providing large amounts of food to the bottom prey, the top predator and the disease in suitable situations can be eradicated.