FOX-FARMING IN CANADA 53 



"Owing to the highly contagious nature of these diseases, partic- 

 ularly the sarcoptic variety, the animal should be isolated and no 

 communication allowed with healthy animals. The keeper of healthy 

 foxes, if exposed to the disease, should disinfect himself and his clothes. 

 If an animal is badly affected, it should be killed and buried deep 

 in quick-lime or burned. The kennel should be burned and the enclosure 

 left unused for a long time. The treatment of these diseases should 

 not be undertaken by an untrained person. I have seen two cases 

 of sarcoptic mange in foxes; both in a very advanced state. They 

 occured in a batch that were imported into Prince Edward Island. 

 Since the disease was discovered in July, 1913, all foxes, when imported, 

 must remain three weeks in quarantine and be twice inspected more 

 particularly for mange and distemper. 



"This contagious disease is caused by a vegetable parasite. 

 Ringworm There are two forms: the circular or tonsurate and the honey- 

 comb. Foxes will take this disease from cattle. A circular 

 patch covered with branny scales and stubby hairs, appears over parts 

 infected with the circular form. The name ' honey-comb ' describe the 

 appearance of the other. Keep the fox isolated; anoint the sore with 

 an ointment of oleate of mercury. Painting with tincture of iodine is 

 also good treatment. 



Ophthalmia "There is a specific or recurrent form of ophthalmia 



or Inflammation that foxes are subject to and may cause total blindness. 

 of the Eyes j^. ug^a^y attacks puppies 6 to 8 weeks old and is not 



accompanied by any of the signs of distemper. Cold, draughts, dirt, 

 distemper or any irritating substance introduced in the eye may cause 

 ophthalmia. Bathe the eye frequently with a hot saturated solution 

 of boracic acid. Several times daily instil drops of sulphate of zinc 

 solution (4 grs. to the ounce) into the eye. Between the lids insert 

 night and morning, Ung. Hydrarg. ox. Flav. (4 grs. to the ounce lanolin) 

 the size of a split pea. 



"Although no case of this disease has occurred among 

 Distemper ^^^^^ .^ Prince Edward Island, it has been reported in 

 other localities among dogs and foxes and has almost decimated them. 

 It is so highly contagious and so fatal that the below note has 

 been added that fox-breeders may detect the initial symptoms 

 and take it in time. Fortunately the quarantine adopted last July 

 will be of the greatest service in excluding it from the colonies of foxes 

 in captivity here. As dogs readily communicate it directly, or indirectly, 

 to foxes they should not be allowed near ranches. The young are more 



