The health risks associated with urban foxes are frequently exaggerated. While foxes, like all wild mammals, can carry parasites and diseases, the risk of transmission to humans is low and largely comparable to that posed by stray domestic dogs and cats. The most commonly seen affliction is Sarcoptic Mange, a skin condition caused by mites, which is highly contagious among foxes and can be fatal to them. If a mangy fox is sighted, contacting a wildlife rescue charity is the recommended course of action, as they can often treat the animal without resort to culling. The general advice remains standard hygiene: washing hands after gardening and ensuring children do the same after playing outdoors.
