Sarcoptic Mange in Foxes: Mite Life Cycle | DerbyFoxes

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Sarcoptic mange is a highly contagious skin disease found in animals, caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. These mites will burrow through the skin causing intense itching and irritation. The scratching that results from mange is what causes the majority of the animal’s hair to fall out. This is a treatable medical condition, but is highly contagious for other animals. Pet owners are advised to keep the animal quarantined while it is being treated for mange.

The life cycle (17–21 days) is spent on the host animal. Female mites burrow into the stratum corneum to lay their eggs. Sarcoptic mange is readily transmissible between animals by means of direct contact; transmission via indirect contact may also occur by combs, brushes, towels, and blankets.

Sarcoptic mange mites are extremely small generally not visible to the naked eye, several thousand of which can burrow into a single square-centimetre of skin. Mites burrow into the skin where they may live for up to a month. As the mite burrows, tissue fluids and debris are deposited on the surface of the animal’s skin forming an intensely itchy crust that causes the fox to scratch frequently.

Understanding the life cycle of the Sarcoptes scabiei mite helps explain how sarcoptic mange develops in foxes, how it spreads, and why affected animals may require treatment. Early recognition of the signs of mange can help wildlife rescuers and members of the public seek appropriate veterinary or wildlife advice.

Sales site: For products and further information, visit Mange.org.uk.


Derbyshire Fox Rescue | Chesterfield UK | mange.org.uk | info@derbyfoxes.org.uk | +44 01246 850850

Our SHOP www.mange.org.uk

Sarcoptic Mange in Foxes: Symptoms, Treatment & Advice

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Homoeopathic Sarcoptic Mange treatment – Arsenicum Alb & Sulphur 30c Purchase securely from visit our secure e-shop

Sarcoptic Mange in Foxes: Symptoms, Treatment & Advice

30 Years of Fox Rescue Experience

For more than 30 years, we rescued and cared for foxes affected by injury and illness, including sarcoptic mange.

During those years, we treated many foxes suffering from mange and developed extensive practical experience in caring for affected animals. We also supplied our mange remedy to fox carers and members of the public in many countries.

We have now retired from active fox rescue and are no longer able to undertake rescues or provide a rescue service. We are keeping this website available as an information resource about foxes, their behaviour and welfare, based on our many years of experience.

Our former telephone number was 01246 850850. Please note that we are retired and no longer provide a rescue service.

What Is Sarcoptic Mange?

Sarcoptic mange is caused by microscopic mites that burrow into the skin. Affected foxes can develop intense itching, hair loss, sore or thickened skin and other signs of irritation.

During our years of fox rescue, sarcoptic mange was one of the conditions we regularly encountered.

Our Experience Treating Foxes With Mange

The information below describes the treatment approach we used during our years of caring for foxes.

We used a homoeopathic preparation containing Arsenicum Alb and Sulphur 30c. In our experience, the treatment was useful in cases of sarcoptic mange in foxes.

We supplied the remedy to fox carers and members of the public in many countries and received reports from people treating affected animals.

The following information records how we used the treatment during our rescue work.

How Did We Use This Treatment?

We administered four drops of the treatment to each fox daily, placing it on food and in drinking water.

When several foxes were visiting an area, we cut sandwiches into approximately six to nine pieces and put two drops on each piece. We then scattered the pieces around the area where the foxes were seen.

In our experience, it could take several weeks before a noticeable improvement occurred. We looked for signs such as reduced scratching and biting, followed by the gradual return of the fox’s hair.

Once the hair had started to grow back and the fox appeared to have recovered, we stopped the treatment.

How Long Did We Use the Treatment?

The treatment did not kill the mange mite directly. Our understanding from our experience was that the treatment worked over a period of time, so improvement was not usually immediate.

We generally allowed several weeks for the fox to show signs of improvement.

Where further treatment appeared necessary, our historical approach was to use a maximum period of approximately four to six weeks, followed by several weeks without treatment.

Can Mange Return?

Yes. A fox that has recovered from mange can potentially become affected again.

The mites can survive in the environment, so a fox may encounter them again as it moves through areas where affected animals have been.

For that reason, we found it important to monitor foxes after treatment and watch for renewed scratching, hair loss or other signs of mange.

Is the Treatment Safe for Other Animals?

During our years of supplying the remedy, we also supplied it to pet owners for use with dogs and other animals.

However, animals can react differently to treatments and products. Anyone considering treatment for a domestic pet should seek appropriate advice from a veterinary professional.

An Important Note About This Information

This page records our own experience of treating foxes during more than 30 years of fox rescue.

It is not a current rescue service, and we cannot assess individual foxes or provide an active rescue service.

Because we have now retired, readers should consider current professional wildlife or veterinary advice when deciding how to help an individual sick or injured fox.

Our intention in keeping this information online is to preserve the practical knowledge we gained from many years of working directly with foxes and to make that information available to people who may find it useful.

Sales site: For products and further information, visit Mange.org.uk.


Sales site: For products and further information, visit Mange.org.uk.

Derbyshire Fox Rescue | Chesterfield UK | mange.org.uk | info@derbyfoxes.org.uk | +44 01246 850850

Our SHOP www.mange.org.uk