Wildlife

Urban Fox Mange Treatment and Welfare

Sarcoptic mange is a serious welfare problem in urban fox populations that can be effectively treated with community action.

Key Facts

Sarcoptic mange is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei and causes intense itching and hair loss
Untreated mange leads to progressive debilitation, secondary infections and death over weeks to months
HomeoVet mange treatment (ivermectin in food bait) is the primary community intervention tool
The Fox Project in Kent runs a national mange treatment programme and provides advice
Treatment requires multiple doses over 6 weeks and close monitoring of affected individuals

Welfare Considerations

Mange causes severe and prolonged suffering before death in affected foxes. Individual animals deteriorate visibly over weeks. Community treatment programmes enable welfare intervention at scale and demonstrate practical compassionate action for urban wildlife. Early treatment significantly improves outcomes.

What You Can Do

Contact the Fox Project if you see a fox showing signs of mange
Order free mange treatment via the Fox Project website if a fox visits your garden regularly
Never use poisons or pest control to manage urban foxes - it is cruel and ineffective
Support the Fox Project's treatment and education programmes through donation