Urban foxes face sarcoptic mange and human conflict. Community-coordinated treatment and responsible behaviour around foxes supports coexistence and individual welfare.
Urban foxes with mange suffer intensely from pruritus, secondary skin infection and hypothermia as they lose their fur coat. The disease spreads within family groups sharing territories, meaning a single untreated fox can infect multiple individuals. Community-coordinated treatment campaigns where neighbours provide medicated food simultaneously achieve the highest cure rates by ensuring all family members are treated. Coexistence measures including securing bins, not leaving food waste accessible and fox-proofing chicken enclosures reduce conflict without harming foxes.