Fox Mange – On the Rise Again in Several Cantons

In several cantons, hunters and cantonal hunting administrations are reporting an increased occurrence of scabies cases in foxes. This also increases the risk of infection for our beloved dogs.

What is Fox Scabies?

Fox scabies is a highly itchy skin disease caused by Sarcoptes mites, primarily found in foxes, but which can also be transmitted to other animal species, especially dogs. These so-called burrowing mites live in the uppermost skin layer of their host animals, where they dig tunnels, feed on keratin and tissue fluid, and lay their eggs.

The mites trigger a strong immune reaction in the host animal, which primarily causes intense itching but also leads to pustules and skin redness. As the disease progresses, hair loss occurs locally, followed by crust formation and severe thickening of the skin. The open, inflamed areas serve as entry points for bacterial pathogens, which can further worsen the clinical picture. Without treatment, the disease takes a severe course and often leads to death in many foxes within a few months.

How Can Dogs Get Infected?

Dogs can become infected either through direct contact with living or dead foxes. The mites can also enter the environment with shedding skin flakes, where they can survive for several days at temperatures around 10°C and high humidity. Therefore, dogs can become infected in areas where scabby foxes roam, even without direct contact.
In addition to infection via foxes, the disease can also be easily transmitted from dog to dog.

What are the Symptoms of Fox Scabies in Dogs?

In dogs, too, the most striking symptom is intense itching! The disease also manifests with small red papules or pustules, often starting around the ear margins, eyes, chin, under the armpits, on the elbows, or on the abdomen. If left untreated, the disease spreads, and dogs often develop secondary bacterial infections.

How is Fox Scabies Diagnosed?

If a dog suddenly suffers from severe, spontaneously occurring itching, fox scabies must always be considered as a possible cause! A definitive diagnosis can sometimes be challenging. Since even a very small number of mites can trigger intense itching, it is often not possible to find the parasites in skin scrapings. The blood test, which detects antibodies against the mites, is also not always reliable, as it can still be negative at the beginning of a mite infestation.

If a dog shows severe itching, it is therefore often advisable to carry out a so-called 'diagnostic therapy'. If the itching subsides within a few days after treatment with a medication approved against mites, then it can be assumed that fox scabies was indeed the cause of the illness.

How is Fox Scabies Treated in Dogs?

Usually, therapy with a so-called 'spot-on preparation' applied to the skin quickly brings relief. If crusts are already present, they can be softened and removed with special shampoos. The treatment with the mite medication must be repeated several times to ensure the complete elimination of all mites.
Antiparasitics in tablet form are also approved for the treatment of a scabies mite infestation. However, they seem to relieve itching less quickly and are therefore usually not used for initial treatment.

Since scabies is easily transmitted from animal to animal, all dogs in a household should always be treated, regardless of whether they show symptoms or not. If your dog has had regular contact with other dogs (for example, in a dog training class), their owners should be informed about the possible risk of infection, so that they can react appropriately at the first signs of illness!

Is Fox Scabies Transmitted to Cats?

Although cats are much less likely to contract fox scabies than dogs, cats living with an affected dog should still be treated for scabies. 

Is Fox Scabies Transmitted to Humans?

Scabies mites can also affect humans, leading to itchy skin areas with small red blisters. However, humans are what is known as an 'accidental host', meaning the infection usually resolves on its own without treatment. 

How Can I Protect My Dog from Fox Scabies Infection?

To protect against a scabies infection, 'spot-on' products can be applied monthly to the skin. It must be noted that these medications do not protect against ticks. Therefore, during "tick season," additional tick prophylaxis must be carried out.  

Tick medications in tablet form, however, also protect against scabies mites simultaneously. Consult your veterinarian for advice on what is most suitable for your dog.

Note:

Please inform the wildlife ranger if you discover a sick fox in your area!