The deadly ‘squirrelpox’ is a threat to native species of red squirrel. (Image: Getty )
after reports of possible cases of a virus lethal to red squirrels further north in the UK than ever before.
Public members have twice reported seeing lethargic and sick-looking red squirrels in or near Mine Wood in Bridge of Allan, near Stirling, Scotland, raising concerns the animals could have squirrel pox.
carried by grey squirrels, and while it does not affect them, it can rapidly be lethal when passed to red squirrels.
The first known outbreak of the virus in Scotland was in 2007 near Lockerbie, Dumfries, and Galloway, and in spring last year, the first death from squirrel pox of a red squirrel north of the central belt was confirmed in Dunfermline, Fife.
The Scottish Wildlife Trust partnership project Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is now asking people living in the Bridge of Allan area to be vigilant and take key preventative actions.
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(File photo) A virus spreading amongst red squirrels is another threat for the species (Image: Getty )
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.
“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 squirrelsscottishwildlifetrust.org.uk.”
Symptoms include ulcers, scabs and weeping lesions on the face, paws and genitalia, all of which can prevent red squirrels from eating, drinking or moving.
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A squirrel area with warning signs for drivers in Scotland (Image: Getty )
The virus is usually fatal within two weeks, and an outbreak can cause local populations to crash.
Since 2007, the disease has occurred in various red squirrel populations across southern Scotland.
The country’s red squirrel population is threatened by the spread of invasive, non-native grey squirrels, which were first introduced to the UK from North America by the Victorians.
As well as carrying the squirrel pox virus, grey squirrels also out-compete the smaller reds in the search for food and habitat.
Greys have displaced red squirrels in most of England and Wales and around 80% of the UK’s total remaining population is now found in Scotland.
Although squirrel pox is not considered harmful to humans, anyone who sees a sick red squirrel is advised not to approach it and to contact the project immediately for advice.