﻿BLUE-FOX FARMING IK ALASKA 29 



LOSSES FROM DEPREDATIONS 



Some losses among foxes are caused by predatory birds and mam- 

 mals. Eagles are widely charged with catching young foxes, and 

 there are authentic records of their doing so. The fur farmer is 

 well warranted in making war upon them in the vicinity of the fox 

 ranch. Wolves have been reported as killing foxes, but it is believed 

 that instances are rare. 



The extent of losses from poaching is not known. Marking ani- 

 mals and skins with registered brands, as required by Territorial law, 

 reduces the likelihood of handling stolen skins. The drastic laws 

 and substantial penalties now imposed are reducing losses from 

 poaching. 



SANITATION AND TREATMENT OF DISEASE ' 



The diseases of the blue fox in Alaska are few, and the distances 

 between islands lessen the danger of transmission of diseases and 

 parasites. In maintaining the health of foxes, preventive measures 

 against disease must be chieiiy relied upon. With the blue fox the 

 prevention of disease is far easier than its treatment. 



Sanitation. — Places frequented by foxes should be kept reasonably 

 clean, particularly in the vicinity of the dens and feeding grounds. 

 This is very difficult, especially where foxes are at liberty to roam an 

 entire island ; but in spite of this, some attempts to clean up should 

 be made. 



Close attention should be given to the methods of feeding. Noth- 

 ing but clean, wholesome feed should be given. Animals that have 

 died should not be fed to foxes unless the meat can be made safe by 

 thorough cooking. No moldy feed should ever be used, as it causes 

 diarrhea and sometimes death. Foxes can not be prevented from 

 carrying food into their dens, but this habit can be lessened by feed- 

 ing them at regular intervals and by giving only as much as will be 

 consumed with relish. Food left at the dens or the feed houses for 

 any length of time will mold or otherwise spoil. All dishes used 

 should be clean and the water supplied should be pure and fresh. 



When blue foxes are first purchased they should be carefully 

 examined for any abnormal conditions. Even though apparently in 

 good health, they should be placed in pens and kept under quaran- 

 tine and close observation two to four weeks before being turned 

 lfK)se. Sick animals should be captured and isolated at once to pre- 

 vent tlie spread of disease; and if disease breaks out on an island 

 or on a lanch, a strict quarantine should be maintained. 



Dead foxes should never be permitted to lie around, but should 

 be burned or buried. If it is desirable to examine a dead body, cut 

 open the chest and abdomen the entire length. Examine the stomach 

 and intestines for worms. If pneumonia was the cause of death, the 

 lungs will be a dull red and will sink when placed in water. 



' Thl.s Hi-cWou \v;i.s prcparod by I). K. Huckingliam, a votorinarian sont to Alaska l).v tlio 

 lilologk.-al Survey duriii;^ tho Hiirnincr of ]'.i24 to investiKsitc blues-fox farmw, imrticiilarly 

 on iMlandM, witti Bpecial attention to the matter of Hanitation and disease. 



