Deadly virus confirmed in red squirrel population - Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels

Conservation organisations have confirmed the presence of squirrelpox in red squirrels in Clackmannanshire.

Through a post-mortem examination of an adult male red squirrel found in Dollar, Clackmannanshire, the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies has confirmed that squirrelpox is present in the population. This is only the second time the virus has been detected north of the central belt.

Squirrelpox is a virus carried by grey squirrels which does not affect them but can be rapidly lethal when passed to red squirrels. Symptoms include ulcers, scabs and weeping lesions on the face, paws and genitalia, all of which can prevent reds from eating, drinking or moving. As a result, it is usually fatal within two weeks and if left unmanaged, an outbreak can cause local populations to crash.

The potential outbreak was first alerted to Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS) and the Eastern Lowlands Red Squirrel Group (ELRSG) in June, when a member of the public photographed a sick looking red squirrel in Dollar Glen. Since then, the conservation groups, volunteers, landowners and local residents have been on the lookout, reporting any sick or dead red squirrels they find.

People in the local area have been asked to take down any wildlife feeders in their gardens for at least two weeks to limit the spread of the virus. ELRSG is leading on the ground work to limit the spread of the virus.

Hollie Sutherland, Project Coordinator for the Eastern Lowlands Red Squirrel Group, said: “It is very upsetting to see red squirrels suffering and dying from squirrelpox in this area. We have a significant population of red squirrels in Clackmannanshire, which people are supportive and protective of. The virus has likely come from grey squirrels spreading into the area from the west of Dollar, where they have travelled north from the grey-only areas of the central belt.”