THE SQUIRREL POX (FORMERLY KNOWN AS PARAPOX VIRUS) IS KNOWN AS 'THE RED KILLER'!

OUR RED SQUIRRELS are in danger from this deadly virus!

The Squirrel Pox virus is a disease fatal to red squirrels. It was first confirmed in East Anglia in the 1980s, and since then there have been confirmed cases in red squirrel populations in Lancashire, Cumbria, Durham and Northumberland. The Squirrel Pox virus is one of the most significant factors in the decline of red squirrel populations in the UK.

The Squirrel Pox virus is present in many grey squirrel populations but they themselves are immune. The greys pass the virus on to reds, exactly how is not certain but is believed to be at feeding stations. The greys and reds have an amazing sense of smell and possibly the greys pick up the scent of a red and follow. Any red squirrel with Squirrel Pox typically dies within about 2 weeks of contracting the virus. There is no cure.It is a slow and painful death.There are no red squirrels known to have immunity to this disease. As you can see from above photo it appears to be similar to myxomatosis found in rabbits.

IIt is important all Grey Squirrel sightings are reported immediately.

Blood sampling in the Morpeth area reveals an infection rate of some 90%. a disturbing figure indeed. It has to be assumed therefore that every grey carries the virus and it is essential that response to grey intrusion is immediate and successful.This situation makes it absolutely imperative that the feeders which attract greys in the first place are left up in order to facilitate the removal of greys.The risk of infected greys passing on the virus has to be taken as an acceptable risk and we have to accept there may be red casualities.

This photo by Jim Bell is of a live red at Wallington. It was last seen staggering down a path being attacked by crows and unable to defend itself.