What Are the Treatments for Scabies on Foxes?

Scabies is commonly used to describe the Sarcoptic mite or Sarcoptic mange. Sarcoptic mites are tiny insects that burrow into a fox's skin and lay eggs. The larvae hatch, feed on skin cells and repeat the process. Scabies causes inflammation, itching and loss of hair in addition to crusty, dry lesions and scabs on the skin. Over time, Sarcoptic mange will lower the fox's immune system, and infections and internal parasites will set in. The fox will starve to death.

  1. Symptoms

    • Unfortunately, foxes with Sarcoptic mange are frequently mistaken as having rabies. Foxes with Scabies will have any of the following symptoms: open sores or wounds; a bare tail; crusty film around the eyes, mouth,or nose; be seen chewing, licking or scratching; appear thin, malnourished, sluggish, or stiff; or are seen searching for food during the day without fear of humans.

    Ivermectin

    • Injectable ivermectin for cattle and hogs has been used orally to safely and effectively treat domestic dogs for Sarcoptic mange and can be given to foxes as well. The dosage for treating skin parasites is two or three times the dosage used for heartworm prevention. Add the ivermectin to dog food on a paper plate, and place the paper plate near the area where you've noticed the fox. Because the life cycle of Sarcoptic mites is between two and three weeks, you'll need to repeat the treatment every two weeks until you notice that the fox's skin has cleared up and its hair is regrowing.

    Milbemycin Oxime

    • Milbemycin Oxime has also been safely and effectively used to treat Sarcoptic mange in domestic dogs and can be given to foxes. Unlike ivermectin, Milbemycin Oxime comes in tablets and not as a liquid. The dosage used is 2 mg/kg or 1 mg/lb. Add the Milbemycin Oxime to dog food, preferably on a paper plate, and place the food where you have seen the fox. Repeat the treatment every two weeks until you notice improvement in the fox's skin and coat to ensure that the fox has eaten the food and ingested the medicine, as there is nothing to stop other animals from eating food left outside.