Fox mange evident in neighouring cantons, but not here

According to a report in the Neue Zürcher Zeitung, fox mange, a skin disease caused by a parasite, is on the increase in parts of the canton of Zurich, namely in the Weinland area to the north of the canton, in the Winterthur area, in the Knonauer Amt (directly to the north of the canton of Zug) and in the wider agglomeration. Further cases have been reported in the cantons of Lucerne and Argovia, though not in Zug itself. Of note is that this eczema-like disease is contagious and can spread to cats and dogs.

When asked about the situation here in Zug, Roman Keller, the head of the Department of Fishery and Hunting at the Cantonal Office of Forestry and Wildlife, said that so far this year no fox suffering from the disease had been sighted in the canton. “However, if it continues to become more widespread in neighbouring cantons, then affected foxes could find their way here, too,” he said.

In recent years 2012 was the one with the most cases reported,12 in fact, numbers higher in the two following years, too. And as it was thought the fox population here had grown in more recent years, it was thought probable more cases would be found here.

As mentioned, the disease has symptoms similar to eczema, meaning itching and bleeding, leading to a bacterial infection. The foxes begin to lose their fur, become increasingly active during the daytime, are not as reclusive as they normally are and suffer an agonising death.

As mentioned, the disease can spread to cats and dogs, no direct contact being necessary as the mites which cause it can be spread though hairs or scales of skin. Keller advises dog owners to keep their pets on a lead and not to leave unfinished pet food or other food remains out in the open. Should dogs and cats start scratching more than normal, it is best to take them to the vet. With medication, the problem can be treated.

As Keller further mentioned, in theory it would be possible to treat foxes, too, though naturally it would be difficult to administer and cost a lot.