Public urged to take 'immediate action' after reports of possible squirrelpox in Stirling

Members of the public have been urged to take “immediate action” after two reports of possible squirrelpox in Stirling.

The warning comes after the Scottish Wildlife Trust partnership project Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels received two reports of lethargic and sick-looking red squirrels near Mine Wood in Bridge of Allan.

The organisation is urging the public 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.

It comes almost a year after the first squirrelpox-related death of a red squirrel north of Scotland’s Central Belt was confirmed in Dunfermline.

The first known outbreak of squirrelpox in Scotland occurred in 2007 near Lockerbie and since then the disease has arisen in various red squirrel populations across Scotland.

Squirrelpox is a virus carried by grey squirrels which does not affect them but can be lethal when passed to red squirrels.

Symptoms include ulcers, scabs, and weeping lesions on the face, paws, and genitalia, which can prevent reds from eating, drinking, or moving.

The disease is usually fatal within two weeks, and an outbreak can cause local populations to crash.

The virus comes from grey squirrels, which were introduced to the UK from North America by the Victorians.

Since then, the species has displaced red squirrels in most of England and Wales, with more than 75% of the UK’s remaining population now in Scotland.

Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is also asking locals to keep a close eye out for, and take photos of, any sick or dead red squirrels in the area.

Although squirrelpox is not considered harmful to humans, anyone who sees a sick red squirrel is advised not to approach it and contact the project immediately for advice.

Sightings of grey or red squirrels can be reported on the Scottish Squirrels website, and photos of sick red squirrels should be emailed to the Scottish Wildlife Trust.

Gail Turney, Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS) programme manager, Scottish Wildlife Trust, said they were concerned following the reports and thanked the members of the public for alerting them

“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,” she said.

“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 squirrels@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk.”