The young of unique species such as the Tasmanian devil, spotted tail quoll that are left unattended in dens are highly vulnerable to fox predation. More widespread species like ducks, shorebirds, ground nesting birds, blue tongue lizards, mountain dragons, skinks and frogs are all highly at risk. Even animals such as the little penguin and platypus are at risk. Additionally, foxes are carriers of disease and spread environmental weeds. The Potential Threat to Tasmania's Agricultural Industry Domestic poultry, sheep and lambs are targeted by foxes.
Foxes can also carry diseases which impact upon both native wildlife and domestic stock.
They are known carriers of distemper, parvovirus, canine hepatitus, heart worm, hydatids and sarcoptic mange. In Europe, the fox is the main carrier of rabies. Should rabies ever be introduced into Australia, foxes would likely be the main agent of its spread. The European Red Fox is recognised nationally as the single most devastating introduced pest and threat to Australia's native land animals. It has been listed as a National Threat on the Commonwealth Endangered Species Protection Act 1992 .