Share:
Health risk from foxes in residential areas? Caution never hurts
Although foxes are wild animals, some of them also live in the city. In some cases very close to people. Many citizens are therefore afraid for their health, because the animals should also transmit rabies. Panic should not be spread because of that, but a little caution never hurts.
Image: Michael Robbins - fotolia People encounter foxes with mixed feelings
It is not so easy to meet a fox in the forest. In the city, however, he is increasingly encountered and ventures into the next garden or even to the patio door. Some people are happy to observe a fox in their immediate vicinity. There are also some who feed the animals - with animal rights activists rejecting it. Others, however, may be afraid the fox might be infected with rabies or attacked by fox tapeworm. However, the risks are manageable, as Yvonne Nottebrock of "Four Paws - Foundation for Animal Welfare in Hamburg," according to a message from the news agency dpa emphasized.
Better living conditions in the cities
The fox, who is a typical cultural successor, easily finds food in cities such as rats, mice, pigeons, but also in human waste. In addition, the temperatures there are usually more pleasant for the animals. According to Nottebrock, the living conditions for foxes are often better in cities than in forests or agricultural regions. Therefore, the animals feel comfortable in the city. In this coexistence with the wild animals of "four paws" no danger is seen. Normally the proximity between human and fox runs smoothly. According to Nottebrock's observation, most people are not only happy to be able to observe this species up close, but also appreciate it, as they hunt rats and mice or even eliminate sick and dead animals.
Shy animals keep their distance
Fences usually can not keep away foxes, but in the opinion of the animal rights activists the animals can do little damage anyway. However, people who disturb the closeness anyway should prevent the fox from finding food in the garden or on the patio. In addition, the animals are deterred by noise and light. Foxes also keep their distance when people move there regularly. But if a fox is in the garden, the animals should not be expelled at the time of the rearing of the cubs. Since foxes are not aggressive, there is no danger to humans according to Nottebrock. Rather, the animals have a natural shyness and try to avoid contact with humans, as long as they have not gotten used to humans, because they were fed regularly.
Germany has been considered free of rabies for years
Although rabies is still one of the most dangerous infectious diseases in the world and requires tens of thousands of deaths annually, Germany has been considered free since 2008. In Europe, this varies widely by region. According to Nottebrock, it is more of a problem in Central Europe, for example, in the canton of Thurgau in Switzerland and in Germany in the Swabian Alb than elsewhere. According to health experts, the earliest typical rabies symptoms that occur in 50 to 80 percent of cases are itching and pain or sensory disturbances near the bite. Basically, it is important, after an animal bite, not wait to see if appropriate rabies symptoms occur, because then it is usually already too late for a therapy.
Low risk of infection with fox tapeworm
Also considered low is the risk of becoming infected with the fox tapeworm. In areas of high infestation, the classical hygiene rules should be followed. The most important thing is thorough hand washing, especially after contact with animals or after gardening. Since the fox tapeworm can also occur in dogs and cats, a regular worming and hygiene in dealing with pets is advised. According to Nottebrock, there is as yet no clear evidence that collecting and eating berries or mushrooms increases the risk of infection. For farmers, dog owners and people from the forest and hunting area, however, there is an increased risk because they come in everyday life again and again with plants, animals and soil in contact. Even collected mushrooms and fruits should always be washed thoroughly before consumption. Fuchsbandwurme eggs are killed when heated to over 60 degrees. Fuchskot should be removed especially from the area in which children play, such as dog feces. It is best to take the droppings with a plastic bag to eliminate any risk of infection, and then eliminate it in the garbage can. (Ad)