Poisoned Finnish foxes die in thousands

The authorities have not ruled out intentional poisoning, as tainted feed killed foxes in more than 60 farms.

The poisoning occurred in the western Ostrobothnia region, the heart of the farming industry in the world's largest fox pelt producer.

Animal rights activists frequently attack farms by releasing foxes and minks.

However, officials say their main suspicion concerns poorly-stored fodder ingredients - which may have developed botulin, a toxin that can cause food poisoning.

The animals began to die on Friday after eating fodder from the same supplier.

Worst-case scenario

Initial reports said that about 20,000 foxes became paralysed and died at the weekend.

The death toll continued to rise after officials told farmers to kill any fox that could not eat or drink.

According to the latest figures, the total number of animals put down could reach 50,000 or 60,000.

"The new figures are the worst-case scenario, if none of the sick animals recover," said veterinarian Liisa Wallenius of the Finnish Fur Breeders' Association.

Finland produces 60% of the world's fox pelts. Last year there were more than 380,000 of the animals in Finnish farms - mostly blue foxes.

The poisoning case represents a loss of several million dollars to the industry.

In neighbouring Norway - another major fur producer - a 1995 outbreak of botulism killed about 150,000 mink, more than half the country's farmed animals.