Animal Welfare Research Needs for Farmed Fox

Following is a list of research priorities gaps identified during the ranched fox Code development process. Click here to visit the fox Code web page for the Scientific Committee report and to view the full Code.

List compiled: April 2013 

Accommodations, Housing and Handling Facilities

• Nest box design and materials
• Group housing
• Pen sizes
• Cage sizes/space per animal
• Cage size
• Cage design (space, privacy, boredom, etc.)
• Size, configuration and design of the typical fox cage 

Husbandry Practices

• Weaning time
• Handling Methods

Food and Water

Hygiene and Sanitation

• Sanitation
• Biosecurity
• Environmental issues

Health and Welfare Management

• Behavior/physiological welfare - environmental enrichment
• Feelings, natural functions, pain and preference - considerations and indicators
• Stereotypies
• Environmental Enrichment
• Disease management strategies - vaccination, nutrition, early diagnosis and treatment

Euthanasia

• Euthanasia criteria for sick animals
• Humane euthanasia
• Killing methods
• Euthanasia - Norwegian stunner?

Transportation

• Handling and transportation