Wildlife

Wild Fox Urban Welfare and Mange Treatment

Urban red foxes face distinct welfare challenges including sarcoptic mange, road mortality and persecution, though mange can be treated through targeted baiting programmes.

Key Facts

Sarcoptic mange (Sarcoptes scabiei) causes intense itching, hair loss and death in foxes
Mange is widespread in UK urban fox populations and causes significant suffering
Homeopathic remedies are ineffective - only veterinary-prescribed Psorinum or ivermectin treat mange
The National Fox Welfare Society provides mange treatment kits for individual foxes
Road mortality is the leading cause of death for urban foxes, particularly juveniles in autumn

Welfare Considerations

Urban foxes face preventable suffering from mange and road mortality. Targeted treatment provision and public education can reduce suffering at population scale.

What You Can Do

Contact the National Fox Welfare Society if you see a mange-affected fox
Drive carefully in areas with known fox activity, especially in autumn
Do not feed foxes in a way that causes territorial conflict with neighbours