Squirrelpox spreads further north in Scotland
Squirrelpox is often fatal in two weeks for red squirrels.
A case of squirrelpox has been confirmed in a red squirrel near Dunfermline, Fife. It is the first time the disease has been found north of the central belt in Scotland.
The red squirrel carcass, which had ulcers and scabs around the eyes and mouth, was found by a member of the public.
Researchers at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies performed a post-mortem to confirm the diagnosis and testing was also conducted by the Animal and Plant Health Agency at its centre in Weybridge, England.
The spread of the disease further north has raised concerns about the impact it could have on Scotland’s red squirrel population. Because grey squirrels can carry the disease but aren’t affected by it, the presence of squirrelpox can led to greys replacing reds around 20 times faster than through competition alone, research has shown.
Work is now being conducted to determine the spread of the disease in the Fife area, with the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies research team working alongside the charity Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels and local organisations including the Eastern Lowland’s Red Squirrel Group and the Fife Red Squirrel Group.
Members of the public in the region are urged to record sightings of affected squirrels. Symptoms include ulcers, scabs and weeping lesions. People are also being asked to remove garden feeders, as these can spread the disease.
Liam Wilson, lecturer in veterinary anatomic pathology at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, said: “This is a worrying development for red squirrels in Scotland, as this case north of the central belt may be the prelude to squirrelpox expansion both locally and further northward, although more investigative work is required to fully assess this risk
“This case also highlights the key role members of the public have in wildlife conservation, as this case was detected from the submission of a dead red squirrel by a member of the public. If any members of the public come across further dead red squirrels in and around Dunfermline, these can be posted to us for examination by following our detailed guidelines.”
Although the disease is not harmful to humans, members of the public are advised not to approach sick squirrels themselves. Details on how to post a red squirrel carcass for testing at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies can be found online. Photos of sick red squirrels can be emailed to squirrels@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk
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Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
