FOX MANGE AND TREATMENT

Introduction

Sarcoptic mange is widespread amongst the fox population and causes death and suffering to many thousands every year. It is caused by a tiny parasitic mite, which burrows under the skin causing immense irritation and secondary skin infections. Visually the victim may appear anything from a little scraggy or ‘flea bitten’ to completely bald and crusty, often limping and with conjunctivitis. The mites will spread to other wildlife and domestic pets who come into contact with the fox or its den so treatment for the fox is essential

The high mortality rate of diseased foxes unbalances their natural ecology.
Foxes are very territorial animals and defend their territory and food supply. Where there is a high turnover of territories becoming vacant then foxes will breed rapidly in an attempt to keep up with the death rate.

Normally foxes control their own population according to the available territory and food sources. The dominant pair will establish themselves and suppress the breeding of other pairs to protect their food supply… mostly RATS!! and MICE!! so foxes provide us with a good natural pest control service

In just a few weeks, simply providing the victim with food containing the mange treatment could save the foxes life (and those of any dependant cubs).

Administering the treatment

• The mange treatment we supply comes mixed in a small container of honey, the idea being that you can easily administer the medication in some bread as a sandwich that won’t be of any interest to a passing cat.
• We also suggest putting the ’sandwich’ out in the evening once the birds have gone to bed so that they won’t be attracted to the bread.
• The honey contains two doses to be given a week apart i.e. ½ the tub as soon as possible and the other ½ in a weeks time (you will need to continue feeding the fox between doses so that the fox turns up for the second).
• We would advise that if possible you try un-medicated bread and honey prior to the use of the medicine just in case the fox won’t take it (which is rare!). In this event the honey can be mixed with any sweet substance e.g. jam, chocolate sauce or peanut butter.
• Please do not give the medication to any animal other than the fox for which it was intended (any unused medication should be returned) and please do not pass the treatment to any other person for use.
• If your friends or neighbours would like to treat a fox please ask them to contact the hospital themselves and we will be happy to send them their own batch.

South Essex Wildlife Hospital does not charge for providing this treatment, however, the cost to the charity  is about £15 per course

SEWH exists solely on public donations

• Without the recipients of past treatments contributing towards the cost, SEWH would be unable to provide for future foxes in need of help.
• If you are able to help us continue this service by making a small donation, we would of course be most grateful.
• South Essex Wildlife Hospital asks that we are updated with the fox’s welfare because  it is important for us to know how well our methods are working and if there are any future problems.

In some advanced cases of mange, a fox will need to come into care at the hospital so we can treat further complications or injuries. The stress caused by captivity can be detrimental to any treatment being undertaken. Therefore, treating “on site” is the best option. Aside from this, foxes can be rather difficult to catch and cage trapping is often unsuccessful. We have limited room available for rehabilitation of this type and of course it is much more expensive providing accommodation for the fox.

Any fox whilst in care may lose its territory to others in the area making life harder on return.

If YOU have a sick or injured fox or a fox showing signs of mange then please  CONTACT US so we can help