|
The National Fox Welfare Society is an established voluntary organisation
dedicated to the welfare of our nation's fox population and can help anyone who is
concerned about their local foxes, or is experiencing problems with them.
The Society receives hundreds of calls each week from all over the country regarding
foxes suffering with Sarcoptic, or canine Mange, a parasite which causes its host severe
irritation resulting in hair loss, secondary infection and, eventually, death in the case
of some of our native wildlife species. The parasite will live and breed on domestic dogs,
badgers, foxes, hedgehogs, horses and rabbits, among others. The first signs are excessive
scratching and biting in the host animal, leading to hair/spine loss, excessive drinking,
conjunctivitis and open wounds, until eventually the animal is completely bald after
which, if left untreated, it will die. Fortunately, there is hope. Mange is very easily
cured, either in the wild or by catching the animal for hands-on treatment. The NFWS
provides free of charge a safe, effective treatment for anyone wishing to help their local
wildlife, which is put onto food left out where the affected animal has been seen. Free
advice is given over the telephone to anyone wishing to discuss any aspect of fox health
or behaviour and, if necessary, a volunteer rescuer can attend to critically injured foxes
which need immediate help (i.e., foxes which are collapsed, trapped or otherwise contained,
including injured or suspected orphaned fox cubs. The Society will also set cage traps for
foxes with life threatening injuries that are still mobile). A rescuer can normally be on
the scene within an hour, and will take the casualty to professional medical help
immediately. Where foxes are causing problems such as fouling or digging, NFWS offers
free, effective deterrence advice, based on 15 years' experience of fox behaviour and
practical application of deterrence. For further information or advice, or to request
treatment for foxes with mange, please contact the National Welfare Society on 01933
411996 between 10am - 8pm. Emergency 24 hour cover is also provided.
National Fox Welfare Society
32 Bradfield Close, Rushden, Northants. NN10 0EP
Tel: 01933 411996 email: info@nfws.org.uk
Websites: http://www.nfws.org.uk/
& http://www.mange.org.uk
Sam |
URGENT PRESS RELEASE March 31st 2000