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Risk
of Disease
Foxes
can carry a range of parasites and diseases relevant to the health
of domestic pets and people.
As
members of the canine family foxes are known to harbour numerous
contagious diseases which can often affect the health of pet dogs.
Toxocariasis
This
is the most common
disease which foxes are likely to transmit to man.
It is caused by a parasitic roundworm in the fox, toxocara canis,
and can cause blindness in young children. The roundworm is excreted
in fox faeces and may be ingested by a child who comes into contact
with this.
Weil’s
disease
(Leptospirosis) Foxes are also susceptible to Weil’s
disease (Leptospirosis) Which is a potentially life threatening
condition and can be passed on to domestic pets and humans via
contact with their urine.
Hydatid
disease
is a parasitic infestation by a tapeworm of the genus Echinococcus.
It can result in
the
formation of cysts or parasitic tumours usually to the liver though
lung, brain and bone can also be infected. It can be transmitted to
humans either by directly ingesting food items or drinking water
that is contaminated with stool from an infected animal or by
petting or having other contact with cats and dogs that have been
infected by proximity to foxes. These pets may shed the eggs in
their stool, and their fur may be contaminated. They may also
contaminate other objects, such as harnesses or leashes, which can
also spread infection.
Sarcoptic
Mange is
a highly contagious skin condition which is caused by mites and
results in irritation and extensive loss of hair. It can be fatal if
left untreated. Foxes can pass mange on to dogs if they frequent
each others' living space. If
the infected dog then sleeps on beds or furniture, everyone will
begin scratching. Fortunately scabies in humans is self-limiting,
that is the mite can burrow under the skin and cause itching, but
cannot complete its life cycle on humans and dies within a few
weeks.
Fleas
and ticks are carried by most foxes.
Rabies
Britain
is currently rabies-free, but in countries where rabies occurs foxes
can contract and pass on the disease.
Damage
to Lawns and Gardens
The
urban fox can play havoc in your garden. Damage to lawns is
sometimes caused by foxes attracted by the presence of inverterbrate
turf pests such as leatherjackets and chafers. Flower beds and
vegetable patches can be disturbed as foxes establish an earth, bury
food, or help themselves to fruit and vegetables.
Risk
to Pets
Given
the opportunity foxes will kill small domestic pets such as rabbits,
birds, guinea pigs and kittens. Unlike many predators foxes have the
habit of killing more than they need to eat immediately. They may
subsequently return for any uneaten corpses.
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The
Nuisance Factor
Foxes
may overturn bins or rip open plastic refuse sacks, spilling
the contents
Foxes
may leave faeces in gardens (See associated risk of disease)
Foxes
will “spray” to scent mark their territory (See
associated risk of disease)
Foxes
will often steal food from bird tables
Nocturnal
screams and barking may cause disturbance. Foxes call throughout the year but normally
only howl or scream during the mating season between
December and February. These sounds can at times be very
loud and distressing and are often described as having an
“unearthly” timbre
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