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Squirrel pox confirmed in Welsh red squirrels
Squirrel pox is an often fatal disease that is thought to be a significant factor in the decline of red squirrels.

Public urged to report any dead or dying squirrels  

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has reported the first laboratory-confirmed cases of disease caused by squirrel pox virus (SQPV) in Welsh red squirrels.

In a letter to Vet Record (Vol 181 No 19), the APHA said that two squirrels were found dead in Gwynedd, an area of north-east Wales. The discovery means that England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland now have recorded cases of the disease.

Since the discovery, the APHA notes that it has set up cameras to monitor wildlife in woodland close to where the squirrels were found. It added that the outbreak shows the need to have intense red squirrel conservation efforts in place.

This includes grey squirrel management strategies where appropriate, the APHA said, ‘especially in areas where red squirrels are known to be present’.

According to the APHA, three further red squirrel carcasses have been found on Anglesea, two of which had suspicious facial lesions. These were sent to the APHA for analysis but no SQPV particles were found.

Despite this, the Red Squirrel Trust Wales is calling on members of the public to report any dead or dying squirrels and to clean squirrel feeders regularly using an anti-viral wash or spray.

‘It may be wise to cease feeding red squirrels altogether, as at this time of year there are plenty of wild foods available,’ the organisation writes on its website.

‘Alternatively, you can simply scatter small amounts of food on the ground so that animals are no longer congregating at a wooden feeder, but still visit your garden.’

Squirrel pox is an often fatal disease that is thought to be a significant factor in the decline of red squirrels. It is not yet understood how the disease spreads, but visible symptoms include lesions or scabs around the eyes, mouth, feet and genitals. Squirrels also become more lethargic as the disease progresses.

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.