A preliminary survey for changes in urban Fox (Vulpes vulpes) densities inEngland and Wales, and implications for rabies control

A questionnaire was sent to 139 councils and 44 local mammal groups in Engl and acid Wales, requesting data on changes in urban Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) densities between 1987 and 1997. Of 152 responses, 41% believed Fox number s had increased, 42% believed Fox numbers were unchanged and 7% believed Fo x numbers had decreased. Most of the increases were perceived to be due to increased food availability, and decreases due to sarcoptic mange (Sarcopte s scabiei). In the event of a rabies outbreak in Britain, the models used t o determine control strategies are dependent on having sufficiently up-to-d ate urban Fox density data. This survey suggests that urban fox density dat a for Britain should be updated in the near future.