Evaluation of attractants and bait preferences of captive red foxes (Vulpes vulpes)

The development of bait types, additives such as synthetic flavours, and at tractants for use in fox control and rabies vaccination programmes is brief ly reviewed. A captive colony was used to establish bait preferences for fo xes. A variety of bait types and additives were screened for this purpose. The potential of chemical attractants to enhance the discovery of baits by foxes was also examined. Gustatory additives, such as beef flavour and suga r, enhanced bait acceptance, and olfactory attractants such as synthetic fe rmented egg showed promise. Trials using captive animals allow for observat ions impossible under field conditions. However, field trials are also need ed to determine whether behavioural responses of free-ranging animals are s imilar to those observed in captive individuals.