Quote:
Originally Posted by Ukwildlifeo  I forgot to watch the programme DOH!
But as for feeding foxes and creating high population densities that cause mange; heres a photo of a Fox with mange: 
What makes it worse is the fact this is the better of the two foxes i saw at my local park. the other had a thin tail (no fur on it) and half its body fur missing |
The programme is repeated on Sunday at 10pm on More 4 for those that missed it.
Most cases of mange in foxes are in southern England, with a cluster in the Midlands and scattered reports from elsewhere. The disease is caused by a parasitic mite called Sarcoptes scabiei, which burrows into the skin. Several thousand mites may be found in just one square centimetre of skin. They secrete waste that hardens into a thick crust on the skin, causing hair loss and lacerations, leaving the
Fox susceptible to other infections. Weight loss and organ and tissue damage are common symptoms. Death usually follows within six months. Infected foxes suffer considerable distress, often gnawing at their limbs and tail.
If anybody has foxes with mange I have a link to somewhere that will send you something to treat them with free of charge.
NFWS - Mange Site - Homepage
Or you can contact your local wildlife rescue centre (there is a thread with lots of addresses all round the country) some will also send you stuff to treat them.