VETERAN New Forest commoner Len Mansbridge has called for a cull of foxes suffering from mange.

Mr Mansbridge, who farms at Home Farm, Ashurst, told the Court of Verderers at Lyndhurst there were now many diseased foxes in the New Forest.

"The forest is overrun with mange and I think something should be done about it," he said.

"We had this problem four years ago and I don't think it was cleared up as it should have been."

Mr Mansbridge said anyone spotting a mangey fox should report it.

"Our ponies, sheep and cattle can all get this disease and I've heard of one or two people who have taken their dogs out on the forest and their dogs have got it," he added.

He warned that humans can also contract mange.

It is a highly contagious disease that can cause an itching red rash, he told the Daily Echo.

Forestry commission chief keeper Martin Noble said: "Not one of our chaps have reported any cases of mange recently. I've looked at numerous carcasses and I've seen no evidence of it."

However, he agreed there might be a problem in the Ashurst area.

"It's not forest-wide, but it's something that's always there. We're not going to get rid of it, but the Rangers will take action by shooting or trapping."

If people reporting foxes suffering with mange do not want the animals destroyed, there are remedies that can be administered by leaving food out for them.

"We do not provide it but we can put them in touch with a manufacturer or supplier," Mr Noble added.

Anyone who knows of foxes suffering from mange can call the Forestry Commission on 023 8028 3141.

First published: October 22