An outbreak of squirrel pox has been confirmed among the red squirrel population at Formby, with experts warning that the next few weeks could be critical for the area’s future as a stronghold for the species. Eight squirrel carcasses have been found in the past week alone, intensifying fears that Formby’s red squirrels have already suffered devastating losses. During the last pox outbreak in 2008, Formby’s red squirrel numbers fell by around 80%.
Disease Transmission and Symptoms
Squirrel pox is carried without symptoms by the non-native grey squirrel and can spread unnoticed until it is too late to stop it reaching red squirrels. For red squirrels, the disease causes shivering and painful lesions around the eyes and mouth, making it difficult for them to eat and see. The disease normally proves fatal to them within two weeks.
Urgent Call to Action
Lancashire Wildlife Trust is urging local people and visitors to take immediate action by removing feeders immediately from Formby and the surrounding areas. Communal feeding stations can become hotspots for disease transmission. If people still want to feed wildlife, they can scatter small amounts of fruit with a high water content, like apple or melon, and clean birdbaths and other equipment daily using a wildlife-safe disinfectant.
The Trust is also calling on people to report sightings of healthy and sick red squirrels, as well as grey squirrels, via their online form. If you see a sick red squirrel, you can also ring 07590 745862. If safe to do so, you can transport the animal – wearing thick gloves – in a secure carrier or ventilated box to your local veterinary practice, who should not charge to tend to the animal.
Expert Comment
Molly Frost, red squirrel project officer at Lancashire Wildlife Trust, said: “Squirrel pox outbreaks are a serious threat to our already vulnerable red squirrel population. Using feeders may seem like a kind way to support nature, but they are dangerous when a virus is present. We want red squirrels to be around for generations to come, and our staff and volunteers are doing all we can to protect them from local extinction. We need the support of our community to help us.”
Broader Context
There were once millions of red squirrels – Britain’s only native squirrel species – stretching the length and breadth of the country, but today only an estimated 287,000 remain. Around three quarters of the existing population live in Scotland, while England’s are concentrated across a few different pockets, making them more vulnerable to local threats. Decades of conservation work has gone into protecting Formby’s red squirrel population, and there are concerns that these efforts could now be undone. The Red Squirrel Recovery Network has said that grey squirrel fertility control could reduce the risk of disease transmission.
