What diseases can foxes carry and what are some symptoms of a sick fox?

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Have you heard of fox tapeworm? Just as the name suggests, it is one of a long line of diseases that this cunning creature can carry along. Usually found in rodents, it will be through eating or chewing the rodent that the fox will pick up the infection, or via infected fecal matter. It is a disease that can also affect other species, including coyote, and even Arctic foxes, if you live close to where they are found.



Canadian Liver Fluke (Metorchis conjunctus) may sound like an entirely made-up disease, but it’s actually a parasite commonly found in gray foxes, and usually makes its host freshwater fish or snails. Mammals, such as the humble fox, will become infected themselves after they eat the infected fish or snail. A great number of other animals can become infected, including domesticated cats and dogs, people, coyotes, bears, raccoons, and more, and in many cases, it takes a week or two for any symptoms to show. The symptoms are quite vague, and can make it a difficult condition to diagnose (if you don't spot the eggs in feces), including a fever (but rather low-grade), and abdominal pain, particularly in the upper areas.

Another worm you will likely encounter with the fox is one called Toxocara canis. Causing Toxocariasis, it’s a condition that can affect dogs as well as foxes. You should avoid interaction between the two. Dogs can pass this disease on to humans, and even cats can experience a similar strain of the worm. It is in children, the sick, and in elderly patients that the disease seems to hit the hardest.

Canine heartworm is passed on my infected mosquitos, and just like many of these coyote diseases, is one that can also affect dogs. Ferrets can also contract canine heartworm, and even cats, despite the canine name. The heavier the infestation of this worm, the higher the chances that the case will be fatal.

Canine distemper is another concern with nuisance foxes, and wild foxes have even been tested positive for the antibodies — canine parvovirus, canine adenovirus, canine coronavirus, canine parainfluenza virus, canine herpesvirus, and more. In similar studies, over 23 different parasite species were found in different fox species, which essentially makes them a nuisance wild animal that you definitely wouldn't want yourself, your family, or your pets/livestock to get to close to.

Read aboutHow to get rid of fox
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