Don’t Shoot the Messenger.
This may be an emotive topic to address, given the current situation regarding homeopathy, but there is a benefit to addressing it. I wish to clarify the law and facts on the matter of diagnosing and medicating wild foxes with holistic remedies.
I am not a veterinarian, nor a homeopath. The following information is based on a professional knowledge of foxes, animal science laws, animal health and welfare laws, the regulation of medicines and animal disease surveillance. These notes have been revised, after informal review by a registered homeopathic vet within the BAHVS.
This information is for reference only and is provided for those on social media seeking advice on using homeopathy for treating mange in foxes, with suggestions as to how such situations can be handled as ‘best practice’ and why this is important. This information is not intended as treatment advice and does not replace veterinary advice (or advice directed by a veterinarian from a wildlife welfare organisation).
If you have an animal that requires medical attention please seek immediate advice directly from a veterinarian or wildlife organisation. Do not get medical advice from social media.
Our Duty of Care to Wildlife
Wanting to help a wild animal suffering from pain, disease or injury is admirable and understandable. In UK law, any wild animal that is suffering pain, disease or injury needs to be diagnosed and treated by a registered veterinarian, who is bound by a code of conduct. The welfare of a wildlife casualty is of paramount importance and each case will be considered individually.
Not all cases will require capture, but if you are transporting animals to the vet, it is important to bear in mind that it is an offence to transport an animal in a way which causes, or is likely to cause, injury or unnecessary suffering to that animal, so ask your vet about the most appropriate methods to do this, prior to restraint and transport. Alternatively, you can contact a wildlife organisation, who are able to consult their vets and can advise on the best course of action and who may be able to capture the fox for veterinary assessment and treatment.
Not all wildlife organisations have wildlife ambulance services and/or 24 hour vet access suitable for foxes, meaning they may not be able to come and capture a sick or injured fox. Please understand, their workload is extreme, conducted on a priority need basis and with limited resources, they are doing everything they can. There is no national ‘Animal NHS’ able to fund medical care for pets or wildlife and foxes are notoriously difficult to catch.
If a wildlife organisation is unable to assist, it is up to you to get the fox veterinary assessment for diagnosis and treatment, from a registered vet. Minor cases may be treated without capture, under the right conditions and requirements.
Please note, vets are only obliged to provide wildlife pain relief or euthanasia free of charge. If the animal is seriously injured or sick, it may need to be humanely euthanized to spare its suffering. If the cost of treatment is high and the welfare need is ongoing, yourself or a wildlife organisation may be able to assist towards the bill and rehabilitation.
In agreement with the British Veterinary Association, the RSPCA will cover costs (up to around £50 for foxes - which will cover mange treatment and veterinary assessment) for Initial Emergency Treatments (IET’s), however, this is only if an incident number is obtained by the vet, prior to starting veterinary treatment, agreed upon on a case-by-case basis.
Veterinarians receive an extreme amount of training to be able to treat and diagnose animals on our behalf and veterinary science is highly regulated, however, in exceptional circumstances, it is permitted for non-veterinarians to assist wildlife for the purpose of providing first aid and emergency care (and there are minor exemptions for pets and farm animals), providing it is under veterinary guidance (diagnosis is required for treatment).
If a fox requires treatment, wildlife organisations cannot assist and you are unable to restrain and transport the animal to a vet yourself, speak to your local vet or the BAHVS, for advice on the best course of action.
Organisations Known to Assist Foxes
If you have regular fox visitors to your garden, it is a good investment to purchase a humane fox trap for use in the event of an emergency. This will make a huge difference to being able to get your local foxes help in times of need and reduces the strain on wildlife organisations, ensuring they are in a better position to assist in getting the fox veterinary assessment and treatment, should the need arise.
Make sure you also seek advice on the best method to humanely trap foxes from a wildlife organisation willing to assist, prior to attempting capture of a sick or injured fox, as there are legal requirements that must be adhered to.
Note: If a person spends £10/week feeding foxes daily and decides to feed every other day (much better not to feed daily), putting the savings aside, a humane trap could be purchased in just 30 weeks.
Legalities of Treating Wildlife
The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 restricts the diagnosis of diseases in, and injury to, wild animals, including tests performed on animals, strictly to fully qualified veterinarians.
The Veterinary Surgeons Act states:
'No individual shall practice, or hold himself out as practising or as being prepared to practice, veterinary surgery unless he is registered in the register of veterinary surgeons or the supplementary veterinary register'.
"Registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) are allowed to provide nursing care for wildlife in line with Schedule 3 of the Veterinary Surgeon's Act 1966. Minor medical treatment can also be given by lay people caring for wildlife in a manner similar to that for the owner of a domestic animal”.
Definition of veterinary surgery:
Veterinary surgery as defined in the Act "means the art and science of veterinary surgery and medicine and, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, shall be taken to include -
(a) the diagnosis of diseases in, and injuries to, animals including tests performed on animals for diagnostic purposes;
(b) the giving of advice based upon such diagnosis;
(c) the medical or surgical treatment of animals; and
(d) the performance of surgical operations on animals.
What can non-vets do to help sick or injured animals?
Schedule 3 of the Act allows anyone to give first aid in an emergency for the purpose of saving life and relieving pain and suffering (this includes humane euthanasia. Euthanasia, legally, is not an act of veterinary surgery). Minor treatment can be given to wildlife under the authorisation of a registered vet.
“First aid is defined as the immediate treatment of injured animals or those suffering from sudden illness, with a view to preventing worsening of disease or death” - BSAVA
The provisions in the Act are broken daily, with the prescription of alternative medicines by non-vets across social media. There is no protection if the treatment is faulty or causes ill health (in humans or animals) and the prescriber is in breach of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, should the condition fail to improve under such circumstances (there may be no way to monitor a fox’s treatment, in many cases). Strictly speaking, homeopathic medicines should not be used without veterinary authorisation and guidance.
Government Statement on Non-Veterinary Treatment:
“Several submissions raised concerns over the lack of regulation of non-veterinarians providing services to animals, and therefore the lack of protection for animals and their owners. The RCVS has said that animal health and welfare could be at risk if people without veterinary training diagnose illness and prescribe treatment.
The BVA had serious concerns about the risk to animal welfare and public health posed by other unregulated groups and individuals performing acts of veterinary surgery in contravention of the Act. The BVA believed that the system of granting exemption orders under Schedule III should be continued, and would support further exemptions where appropriate. It said that it was “not opposed” to the extension of regulation to other providers of veterinary care, but had not reached any conclusions how that might practicably be done.”
The Law on Homeopathy
The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 restricts the treatment of animals (with minor exceptions for pets and farm animals - that are under human control), by anyone other than a fully qualified vet. Under the terms of the Act, it is illegal for anyone other than a RCVS-registered Veterinary Surgeon to prescribe homeopathy for animals or to diagnose or give advice based upon a diagnosis. This includes but is not limited to homeopathy, acupuncture, herbal medicine and aromatherapy.
This law applies, even if no charge is made for the service but does not apply to owners who treat their own animals (this is because they are property in law and under our control, however, the Animal Welfare Act 2006, still applies). Exceptions are made for those supplying manipulative therapies (e.g. massage, chiropractic, osteopathy, physiotherapy), working under veterinary supervision, so long as no prescription is supplied or offered.
Statement from the British Association of Homeopathic Veterinary Surgeons:
“Homeopathy is a powerful and effective form of treatment, providing the possibility of cure for many serious and chronic conditions. Treatment of such conditions requires a level of skill and experience. Apart from this capability, however, it also offers extremely effective and wide-ranging first-aid applications, which are amenable to use by the caring animal owner.
Specialist knowledge is not required, unless the chosen remedy appears not to work within a reasonable period. In that case, the BAHVS recommends attention from a qualified veterinary surgeon.”
Treatments for Mange
For more information on mange mites and their symptoms and associated diseases, please see our article on ‘Diseases of Foxes: Ectoparasites’.
If a fox is suffering from notable hair loss, lesions and suspected mange, Freshfields Animal Rescue and the Fox Rescuers (the Fox Man), advise that you contact them (or other such wildlife organisation) to help arrange immediate veterinary assistance.
“If you have visiting foxes, showing clear signs of distress from injury OR with more than 40% body coverage [contact a wildlife organisation or your local vet]”.
Wildlife Online states:
“The most common treatment is the broad-spectrum anti-parasitic medication ivermectin, sold under the name Stromectol in the USA and Mectizan in Canada, although selamectin (an active ingredient in the medication Stronghold) is an effective treatment used by many vets and animal charities in Britain.”
The Fox Project recommends:
"Mange treatment given to captive foxes is usually successful, involving doses of Stronghold 5 -10kg (or generic ‘spot-on’) or two injections of Ivomec or Panomec (.125ml) given over a two week period. Both treatments are best applied in conjunction with a broad spectrum antibiotic such as Baytril or Synulox to combat skin infection.
In most cases, captive foxes will have been cage trapped, but... Ivomec or Panomec may be applied orally, in food. However, these treatments may be dangerous to pets and other species (and to suckling fox cubs, so this is risky to provide during the fox breeding season – between mid-February and early April) and a veterinary surgeon will require your assurance of a predictable feeding pattern."
Alternative remedies are sometimes suggested by wildlife organisations, under their guidance and direction (I assume this is under the authorisation of their vets), in order to limit mild-to-moderate mange infections whilst attempting capture for assessment and treatment, the most common probably being psorinum (homeopathic nosode), sulphur (sulphur 30c solution) and arsenicum album (arsenic solution).
Technically speaking, a qualified homeopath would not usually consider a single polycrest remedy (a homeopathic remedy that is frequently used for a common condition), as every animal is different; they might all have mange but some are scared, some aggressive, some friendly, some angry etc. and all this would need to be considered before the selection of suitable remedies under the doctrine of homeopathy.
Ensure you seek advice from a vet or wildlife charity providing assessment, treatment and direction, before treating wildlife, as the law is a gray area regarding the treatment of wildlife (diagnosis is technically a regulated veterinary procedure and an inaccurate diagnosis and treatment could lead to prolonged suffering), welfare and safety must remain priority.
So What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy was founded by Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843), who grew up in Meissen in Germany and received his medical degree in Erlangen in 1779. The underlying basis of homeopathy is the principle that 'like cures like'. In other words, a substance taken in small amounts will cure the same symptoms in a sick individual, that it would cause in the healthy.
“Homeopathy is the treatment of disease with a substance that is able to provoke similar signs and symptoms in a healthy body (treatment by similars).
The usual dilution and succussion method of preparation, used for homeopathic medicines (potentisation), is not an essential part of this definition, since substances can be used in molecular concentrations and still come under the heading of homeopathy. In homeopathy, it is the body's reaction to these medicines that brings about the curative process (Homeopathy).”
A commonly known homeopathy for scabies mite skin irritations is the nosode psorinum. A nosode is a specific category of homeopathy. Nosodes are prepared from an infectious disease product either directly from the bacteria or virus, or less directly from a tissue purported to contain it.
Nosodes, as defined by the BAHVS:
“A medicine derived from disease material (e.g. discharges, tissues, secretions, excretions). Such medicines have undergone the potentisation (q.v.) process commonly used in homeopathy.”
More than forty-five nosodes have been used for treating disease since 1830, but no legal guidelines regarding their preparation are currently available.
Psorinum and the Veterinary Materia Medica:
The nosode psorinum is a biological homeopathic remedy that can be used for pets with conditions associated with ‘psoric miasm’ (‘miasm’ being the infectious principles underlying chronic disease and ‘psoric miasm’ being a predisposition to a particular skin disease, whether inherited, acquired or acute).The fundamental basis of psoric miasm is hypersensitivity or deficiency.
Hahnemann understood that the blisters produced by the scabies mite in some individuals were a manifestation of a more serious underlying condition and while the blisters may fade with treatment, the individual may not be entirely healed and the true ailment may continue to attack other organs within the body, which would also need to be addressed.
Psorinum is prepared from the fluids obtained from the vesicles of a scabies affected individual. This fluid is then sterilized and dissolved with sanitized water, before the solution is diluted further and the concentration no longer retains any of the characteristics of its original state. At this point, the remedy is then successed or stirred, as occurs when preparing other homeopathic medicines.
Treatment with psorinum is indicated in chronic cases when other known remedies fail to relieve or improve the condition (such as a sulphur prescription). Psorinum is what's known as a miasmatic remedy and it should not be used for prolonged periods of time.'
Is Homeopathy Regulated?
For people, there is no legal regulation of homeopathic preparations or their use in the UK, we are allowed to experiment on ourselves. This means that anyone can practice as a homeopath or sell homeopathic remedies, even if they have no qualifications or documentation of efficacy.
However, under the UK Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, only veterinary surgeons may practice homeopathy on animals (with the minor exception of treating your own animals, which are under your control and will have had veterinary assessment, in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act 2006). This can be stretched to cover the welfare of wild animals, but it is a gray area, especially with regards to diagnosis. Make sure you consult a vet or wildlife organisation if the animal does not improve, or if it gets worse.
In addition to the Veterinary Surgeons Act, the Veterinary Medicines Regulation provides legislative requirements concerning the manufacture, classification, supply, marketing and use of veterinary medicines, under regulation from the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (which monitors the ongoing process of safety and efficacy through pharmacovigilance). This ensures the continued safe use of effective medicines, including antiparasitic medications and some veterinary homeopathics.
There is good reason for this:
Homeopathy is specifically based on the fact the treatment causes the same symptoms of the disease treated, if given to the healthy (‘like for like’).
Homeopathic principles acknowledge that some treatments may not address any underlying health conditions.
In the UK, animal welfare is of utmost importance and only registered veterinary surgeon have the knowledge base legally required to ensure health and welfare of the animal involved and the wider community.
Unless you are purchasing from reliable, veterinary-backed sources, you have no idea what you are administering.
What is Zoopharmacognosy?
Zoopharmacognosy or pharmacophagy (remedy-eating) is a behaviour in which non-human animals self-medicate by selecting and ingesting or topically applying plants, insects, soil or mineral stones/dust in order to prevent or reduce the harmful effects of pathogens, parasites and toxins.
Applied Zoopharmacognosy is the veterinary-supervised practice of utilizing plants, herbal remedies, essential oils, botanical preparations and tinctures in order to alleviate animal pain, injury and disease.
An example of zoopharmacognosy is when animals eat grass to induce vomiting or dust bathe to ward off parasites. Planting parasite-busting, immune-boosting plants in your garden can go a long way in helping your local wildlife to help themselves, without the need to seek veterinary advice.
Canid-safe, parasite-busting, immune-boosting plants:
Dandelion, Broadleaf Plantain, Milk Thistle, Chamomile, Fennel, Turmeric, Chicory, Chervil, Carrot, Celeriac, Pumpkin, Wild Oats, Barley, Rye, Hibiscus, Blackberry, Rosehip, Wild Strawberry, Blueberry, Mulberry, Gooseberry, Juniper, Elderberry, Coriander, Parsley, Rosemary, Thyme, Sage, Peppermint, Sweet Basil, Lemon Balm, Sunflower, Valerian and Dill.
Parasite-repelling but non-edible plants:
Arnica, Aloe Vera, Astrenia, Anise, Wormwood, Rue, Rosemary, Chamomile, Fleabane, Fleawort, Sweet Bay, Mint, Lavender, Wild Garlic, Chives, Pennyroyal, Pyrethrum, Sage, Citronella, Marigolds, Scented Geraniums, Beebalm and Catmint.
Mites are the most common ectoparasite found on wildlife and pets, but researchers from the University of California have devised a way for people to provide their animals some respite from the dreaded itch, by coming up with a clever way to control them - bags of brimstone. Using a large sand pit filled with bark and mulch, it could also work for foxes,
“Sulfur dust has been used for decades to control mites... The sulfur is usually provided to chickens in a “dust bath,” essentially a box of dust, which may contain fine dirt, sand, diatomaceous earth, insecticides and other powdery substances [e.g. charcoal/cool ash].”
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is made up of tiny fossilised water plants that are ground into a fine white powder that can be used orally, topically or environmentally. It is an eco-friendly, organic pesticide that works in a purely mechanical manner and because it is not chemical in its action, it has no chemical toxicity and parasites cannot build up a tolerance or immunity to it. However, if inhaled in large quantities it can cause irritation to the lungs, so use considerately and as directed by the manufacturers.
It is reported to kill 75% of flies and fleas that come in contact with it within 72 hrs and is effective for eliminating flies, fleas, mange mites, ticks, slugs and snails.
Using Nutrition to Promote Health
If you have sick foxes visiting your garden that you are unable to capture or treat, then providing the right supplementary diet for a short period, can go a long way to helping them fight off the problem.
Always seek advice from a veterinary or wildlife organisation before using diet to promote health and welfare in wild animals. This ensures animals do not suffer unnecessarily and that you are in compliance with the best practices available, which can only benefit fox welfare.
Parasite-busting, Immune-boosting foods include:
Manuka Honey
Honey has been used to benefit health for centuries and its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties have gained increasing scientific awareness in the light of increasing microbial resistance. Honey protects the body against damage caused by bacteria. Some honeys also boost production of special cells that can repair tissue damaged by infection.
Not all honey is the same however, the antibacterial quality of honey depends on several factors, some kinds may be 100 times more potent than others.
Pumpkin and Papaya Seeds
Pumpkin and papaya seeds are great parasite cleaners, containing the amino acids curcurbitin and carica, which work to paralyze and eliminate parasites from the animal's digestive tract. Feed the seeds whole or grind them up and add it to food.
For dogs, it is suggested to use one-quarter teaspoon of pumpkin seeds per 4kg of body weight, once or twice daily until the parasites are gone.
Probiotics
Probiotics are demonstrated to be efficient for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory infections, and allergic symptoms, and also can kill or inhibit pathogens by strain-specific mechanisms relying on competition, molecule secretion, and/or immune induction.
ProPlan’s Fortiflora is a complementary pet food with live probiotics, available from vets and pet stores. It contains live "friendly" bacteria that help maintain intestinal health and balance, and a healthy immune system. Provides palatability enhancement for animals with poor appetite and helps maintain faecal quality. Use as directed on the packet.
Please note that all indications do not preclude appropriate medical management, veterinary diets should always be used under veterinary supervision.
Protein Supplements
Oxbow Animal Health’s Critical Care (for Carnivores) is a complementary pet food with omega fatty acids and essential proteins, available from vets and pet stores for convalescing animals. To be used as directed on the packet.
Please note that all indications do not preclude appropriate medical management, veterinary diets should always be used under veterinary supervision.
Garlic and Sulphur Rocks
Garlic contains over 33 sulphur compounds and sulphur is known to aid in the treatment of mange. Must be used sparingly, as garlic can be toxic to animals in large quantities or concentrations.
A 2008 report published by the National Research Council, was unable to determine the safe upper limit of garlic intake for dogs, cats and horses, but it could “use available research to recommend a range of acceptable intakes according to historical safe intakes (HSI) and estimated presumed safe intakes (PSI)”.
Based on a clove weighing 3 g, the PSI for dogs 20-35kg, it is the equivalent to approx.1/2 clove per day. For a 5-6kg cat, it is 1/25 clove per day.
You can also try Sulphur Rocks, for use in an additional water bowl. A traditional product, used by generations of animal owners as a tonic. One tub contains small lumps of bright-yellow sulphur. Place one piece in the water of the animal’s drinking bowl and replace with a fresh piece every three or four days.
Oatmeal
Oats are classified as one of the world’s healthiest foods. “They are nutrient-dense and provide sustained energy. Even when oats are hulled, they still retain all their fiber and nutrients. Oats contain manganese, selenium, tryptophan, phosphorus, vitamin B1, dietary fiber, magnesium, and protein.
Oats, oat bran, and oatmeal contain a special type of fiber called beta-glucan, shown to lower cholesterol, helping to reduce the risk of heart disease, and supporting the immune system’s response to bacterial infections, viruses, fungi, and parasites.”
Mineral Blocks
Tick and Parasite Licks are natural mineral supplements containing a broad spectrum of nutrients to help keep an animal’s nutritional needs balanced. Incorporated into these supplements are unique and beneficial diatoms, (see Diatomaceous Earth, below). These natural remedies have proven beneficial in boosting an animals immune system and helping animals resist disease and parasites.
Activated Charcoal
Using charcoal for medicinal purposes has a long history, particularly for detoxifications purposes. More recently, activated charcoal has been used to treat toxic ingestions and continues to be a form of gastrointestinal decontamination for poisoned patients, both human and animal.
Activated charcoal is a great way to rid an animal of any toxins which they may have consumed. Activated charcoal binds to the toxic substance which decreases the risk of an animal suffering from any potentially poisonous or toxic substance.
Diatomaceous Earth
Medical researchers are gradually becoming aware of the nutritional importance of Diatomaceous Earth (DE). Silica is one of the most important trace elements in the body and is crucial for numerous bodily functions and aiding mineral absorption.
Diatomaceous Earth is an effective detoxifier and on a microscopic level, when ingested, these tiny, sharp particles move through the body's systems, attracting everything from bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses, endorphins, pesticide and drug residues. Use as directed on the product and product information leaflet.
Onyx Stewart - "From a wildlife magazine I have from the 1930s."
Practice Good Hygiene
When tackling an issue with mange in foxes it is important not to exclude the environment that is sustaining the disease, from the treatment plan.
In general, it is advised not to feed wildlife unless there is a welfare need to do so (under the guidance of a vet or wildlife organisation).
Do not use bowls where it can be prevented (use a scatter feed approach; chopping up food finely and scattering a small handful across the garden). It is much better to plant native plants and to provide water.
If using bowls, try to avoid having many animals share the same bowl. Just as for ourselves and our pets, food hygiene is important and when several species congregate at a food or water source, it increases the risk of disease transmission through zoonotic pathogens.
If using bowls or feeding stations, move them to different areas of the garden each night to prevent predators (such as fleas, ticks and mites) and pests from using the area to target the animals fed.
Disinfect all utensils thoroughly every 24 hours. Ensure water bowls are included.
Do not feed more than 70g (or 200 calories) of fox-suitable food, per fox, every 2-3 days (calculated to ensure it won't affect natural behaviour and impact negatively on health).
Do not feed processed foods, it contributes to poor health and reduces the animals ability to resist disease.
Do not overfeed and allow slugs, snails, rats, mice or mold to take advantage.
Diatomaceous Earth and commercial pesticides can be used to treat the environment.
Keep grass and vegetation cut back and keep soil patches turned over regularly. Power hose patios weekly.
Remove leaf litter and garden waste where parasites can hide and breed.
If you are providing housing and enrichment, ensure these are thoroughly disinfected once weekly.
Foxes will cache excess food and will defecate on any caches they do not wish to return to (which will also not occur if you are feeding daily). Ensure that faeces and unwanted food caches are disposed of and reduce the amount you are feeding if excess and waste is an issue.
The Bottom Line
Before diagnosing and treating any wild animal, seek advice from a veterinary or wildlife organisation directly in order to maintain the highest standards of welfare. Do not get diagnosis and treatment advice off of social media, ask for links to contact organisations directly. Contact the The British Association of Homeopathic Veterinary Surgeons, if you are struggling to locate assistance or reliable advice.
If wildlife organisations are overburdened, you can also speak to your local vet or contact a holistic vet, who may be able to do a virtual/phone consultation and prescribe meds without capture, providing certain requirements can be met. Be prepared to pay for the consultation and the medication, if necessary.
Full article and it's references, here.
More information:
For Fox Sake Wildlife Rescue (USA)
"We get tons of messages from people asking us for advice on treating wild animals with mange. It’s wonderful that so many people care! Mange is extremely common in wildlife, particularly foxes and coyotes, and rates have skyrocketed in recent years due to human causes. When left untreated, mange causes infections, starvation, hypothermia, and eventually death. It’s awful!
At least one wildlife rehabilitation organization offers a “mange by mail” program that sends potent medication for people to give to wildlife themselves. This program (and similar ones) may be an option if you have no other resources available in your area, but we don’t generally recommend treating wildlife yourself in any way.
The medications used to treat mange area ideally given based on the animal’s weight, and this is impossible to achieve without weighing the animal and giving it the medication directly. A dose intended for a coyote guesstimated to weigh 40 pounds could easily be fatal to the two-pound raccoon kit who takes the bait instead. There is no way to guarantee that medicated bait left outside will go to the correct animal.
In many cases, a dose or two of medication simply won’t be enough to save the animal, even if the correct critter eats the food. Animals with severe mange almost always have secondary infections, are underweight, and have trouble regulating their body temperatures. If a critter with a bad case of mange doesn’t get help with these problems, it may die even after the mange mites themselves are dead. It’s also important to note that the animal might immediately return to a mange-infested den if it isn’t brought elsewhere.
The best thing to do for a wild animal with severe mange is to contact your local wildlife rehabilitators and, if possible, humanely trap and transport the critter to the professionals who are equipped to care for it. If no rehabilitators in your area are treating patients with mange, this may complicate matters, but they will be able to advise you further on the next steps"
People may wonder why I have such an interest in mange, specifically. But I have spent over a decade assisting several organisations, trying to get recognition of vector-borne disease like borrelia, bartonella and babesia. While we have slowly begun to recognize these issues in humans and pets, wildlife still do not get the same consideration for treatment. They are our sentinels. #WildlifeSentinels #Mesostigmata #TickInducedAutoImmunity
"Mites [collected from wild rodents] positive for the presence of DNA of B. burgdorferi sensu lato were determined as members of the families Haemogamasidae and Parasitidae."
Both ticks and mites are arachnids that transmit a host of diseases between humans and animals. The effects of global warming and increasing industrialization on these populations mean we are going to need manage potential risks more, to help keep wildlife better protected.