Hunting - Why?

[Susie]

Well, there you go. You are quite happy to kill so you are just the same as those people who kill foxes as vermin.

[dickybird]

ha ha eeyore--thought you'd threatened to ignore me!

its rather sad you have to nit-pick but--whatever.......

maggots-in most instances-develop into flies.
flies carry life threatening disease to humans.

you have misconstrued my defense of the fox entirely. you seem determined to label anyone who cares for wildlife in a sarcastic,demeaning manner. i do not think of foxes as cute or rabbits as fluffy-wuffy or any wildlife for that matter in those terms.

and i didnt think foxes were classed as vermin

oh--and they dont transmit life-threatening disease to humans unless i suppose you intend kissing them!


dickybird

[Stinky Bob]

Originally Posted by dickybird

oh--and they dont transmit life-threatening disease to humans unless i suppose you intend kissing them!


dickybird

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 effect 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. Microscopic toxocara eggs are present in the faeces of infected animals. These eggs have thick, sticky shells which means that they can remain infective in the soil for two to four years after the faeces have disappeared. The sticky shell helps eggs to adhere to fingers or clothing.

Humans can become infected with toxocara by accidentally swallowing the infective Toxocara eggs. This is why crawling babies and toddlers are most at risk; they tend to put dirty fingers and toys into their mouths. Medical records show that approximately 100 new cases of Toxocariasis are diagnosed each year. Once swallowed, Toxocara eggs release larvae into the intestine. These larvae travel through the body until they die, which may take several years.

The symptoms of this disease can be unpleasant and difficult to treat. They can include stomach upset and pain, headache, sore throat, wheezing and listlessness. In some cases, larvae reach the eyes where they can cause sight problems and in some cases blindness.

Domestic cats and dogs are prone to a form of this disease as well so cleaning up after their fouling is just as important.

It is important to always clear up fox faeces as soon as possible using a poop scoop and bag and to deposit it in a safe and secure bin. This is so as not to allow sufficient time for any roundworm eggs to incubate.
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.

Obviously the above needs to be taken in perspective

[dickybird]

my niece is a vet and since i feed foxes,i was anxious that yes-i could pick up disease--or that my pets could so i checked with her about the possible chances........

there are no known cases of toxocara being transferred from foxes to humans but there are MANY cases of humans being infected from dogs and cats-----dogs particularly as they defecate anywhere and children etc.come into contact with it in streets,playing fields etc.
as for the other diseases you mention--as i said in my last post you would have to be on very intimate terms with an infected fox before you even stood a chance of becoming infected---and again you are much greater risk of catching disease from the family pet.

























many animals carry some form of disease---are we to eradicate them all??

as humans we are at far greater risk from our own diseases.


so getting back to the maggots----they come into my house and walk all over my food surfaces,they settle on me--all uninvited bringing their disease with them.
foxes dont.


dickybird

[Susie]

The poor old maggot seems much maligned in this thread, it may not be pretty but it is a vital part of the decomposition process and food chain.

[dickybird]

sorry--that large gap wasnt intentional!!

[dickybird]

haha! lets hear it for the maggot then----and every other living creature


dickybird

[TheSeagull]

Originally Posted by squeek

well thats my point also is that is wasnt a conundrum as such, as i do have a logical answer.
i have no way said i think maggots are ok, i have said before in another thread i would kill weeds. i also think fleas should die, lice should die , i just havent hit on this. you roll eyes and yet it is you nit picking. as you have said to me please dont take my post too seriously i can say the same to you.
seems being kind gets me no where so there is no need to applaud me thanks

That is just hypocritical, why is the rabbit's life worth more than the maggots?

For those who want my viewpoint this is it:

Humans have domesticated species.
Domestication effectively creates a living tool.
The purpose of these species, they're place in the ecosystem is to feed us and serve us.
Wild animals are different in the case that they are equal to us, in my opinion a domesticated animal isn't. I do want the domesticated animals treated well.
In short the sole purpose of the cow, chicken etc. is for our consumption while the purpose of a wild animal is to go about it's wild life.

[Elean0r]

there are no known cases of toxocara being transferred from foxes to humans but there are MANY cases of humans being infected from dogs and cats-----dogs particularly as they defecate anywhere and children etc.come into contact with it in streets,playing fields etc.

How do you know that none of the people infected with toxacara picked it up from fox faeces?

[Stinky Bob]

Originally Posted by dickybird

my niece is a vet and since i feed foxes,i was anxious that yes-i could pick up disease--or that my pets could so i checked with her about the possible chances........

there are no known cases of toxocara being transferred from foxes to humans but there are MANY cases of humans being infected from dogs and cats-----dogs particularly as they defecate anywhere and children etc.come into contact with it in streets,playing fields etc.
as for the other diseases you mention--as i said in my last post you would have to be on very intimate terms with an infected fox before you even stood a chance of becoming infected---and again you are much greater risk of catching disease from the family pet.

many animals carry some form of disease---are we to eradicate them all??

as humans we are at far greater risk from our own diseases.

dickybird

Just responding to your claim that foxes dont harbour life threating disease which is patently incorrect.
Toxocarosis is not a notifiable disease in England and Wales but that is beside the point, foxes have and do carry disease that are harmful to humans and other animals.

PS At least one hospital (Bath I think) is using maggots from the greenbottle fly to treat wounds