Sarcoptic Mange

Sarcoptic mange is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, a microscopic mite that burrows under the skin of many animals, including dogs, foxes, and humans! It can cause severe itching, crusting and inflammation of the skin. Due to the fact that urban foxes live in such high promimity with other foxes; this terrible disease is quickly passed on. This is another reason why it would NOT be appropriate to trap and relocate nuisance urban foxes else where as they will simply pass the disease onto other foxes. Sarcoptic mange is a highly contagious disease most effectively transmitted by direct contact. Luckily for us, the mite does not survive off the host in the environment for more than a few days. Human infection with Sarcoptes scabiei is called "scabies" and usually goes away in healthy individuals without treatment, unlike infection in wild animals. Young or debilitated foxesare more susceptible to disease because their immune systems aren´t functioning at full strength. Most of the foxes with mange seen by Urban Fox Control London are young, usually less than a year old. Sarcoptes mites have a preference for the skin on the face, ears and feet. In the wild, foxes quickly become malnourished as the crusting around their eyes and face impairs their ability to see and find food. Secondary skin infections are common as the crusts start to crack and bleed. Many foxes with mange die of starvation and exposure.

For more information on Sarcoptic Mange talk to Urban Fox Control London