The effect of rabies on different fox populations in the South-West of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Changes in fox densities during a rabies epidemic were followed in four study areas of different babitats around Saarbrücken in the south-west of the Federal Republic of Germany. Relative density estimates were carried out by snow tracking, search of dens, bait acceptance, and using hunting figures. The direct mortal effect of rabies was highly habitat dependent; in the two forest habitats only a few rabies cases were reported and initially no population decline was observed, while rabies cases were numerous and population decline drastic in the two mainly cultivated study areas. After the front wave had moved through, the rural forest population slowly decreased, while at the same time a partial recovery was observed in the cultivated study areas. Dispersal of foxes from the forest to more open habitats is believed to be the reason. The results are discussed in respect to rabies reservoirs and habitat related fox and rabies control.