Grey squirrels were introduced to the UK from North America (Peter Byrne/PA) (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)
Members of the public in Scotland have reported seeing lethargic red squirrels, which could indicate the presence of the disease, previously identified further south in Scotland.
Grey squirrels carry the virus without harm but can transmit it to red squirrels with fatal consequences. The first outbreak in Scotland was recorded in 2007 near Lockerbie, and just last year, a red squirrel succumbed to the virus north of the central belt in Dunfermline.
Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels, a project by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, is now urging locals to remain alert and take preventative measures.
Programme manager Gail Turney said: “We are concerned regarding this latest news and are extremely grateful to those members of the public who have brought it to our attention.
“We don’t know for certain what these squirrels may be suffering from as red squirrels can be affected by a number of illnesses, especially during the winter, but as a precaution we are now asking all those living in Bridge of Allan to take immediate action and protect the local red population by taking in all wildlife feeders for the next month to help prevent any possible spread of disease.
Red squirrels are native to the UK but the majority of the population is now only found in Scotland (Danny Lawson/PA) (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
“We are also asking the local community to keep a close eye out for, and take photos of, any sick or dead red squirrels in the area and email these over to us at [email protected].”
Symptoms of the virus include ulcers, scabs, and weeping lesions on the face, paws, and genitalia, which can prevent red squirrels from eating, drinking, or moving.
Squirrelpox can rapidly kill red squirrels but does not affect greys (Danny Lawson/PA) (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)
The virus is typically fatal within two weeks, and an outbreak can cause local populations to plummet.
Since 2007, the disease has been detected in various red squirrel populations across southern Scotland. The country’s red squirrel population is under threat from invasive non-native grey squirrels, introduced to the UK from North America by the Victorians.
In addition to carrying the squirrelpox virus, grey squirrels out-compete the smaller reds for food and habitat. Grey squirrels have displaced red squirrels in most of England and Wales, with around 80% of the UK’s total remaining population now found in Scotland.
While squirrelpox is not considered harmful to humans, anyone who spots a sick red squirrel is advised not to approach it and to contact the project immediately for advice.