Deadly Virus Confirmed in Clackmannanshire Red Squirrels
A virus lethal to red squirrels has been confirmed in a population of these animals in Clackmannanshire.
Wildlife charities reported that cases of the highly contagious squirrelpox were detected in red squirrels near Dollar last month.
The virus is carried by non-native grey squirrels, which do not show symptoms, but it can be fatal to native red squirrels.
This is only the second time squirrelpox has been recorded north of Scotland's central belt.
The Eastern Lowlands Red Squirrel Group (ELRSG) is also investigating a potential case of the disease in Devilla Forest near Kincardine in Fife.
Symptoms and Impact
Symptoms of squirrelpox include ulcers, scabs, and weeping lesions on the face, paws, and genitalia. These symptoms can prevent red squirrels from eating, drinking, or moving properly.
Infected squirrels may also appear lethargic, remain stationary for extended periods, and be unusually easy to approach.
Confirmation of squirrelpox requires post-mortem examination, as the disease is usually fatal within two weeks.
Residents in the affected areas are being urged to remove any wildlife feeders from their gardens for at least two weeks to help limit the virus's spread.
ELRSG has also called for volunteers to set squirrel traps in their gardens to capture grey squirrels and help control the disease's transmission.
Challenges in Disease Management
"It is very upsetting to see red squirrels suffering and dying from squirrelpox in this area.
We have a significant population of red squirrels in Clackmannanshire, which people are supportive and protective of.
Monitoring and managing disease outbreaks can be extremely challenging, so support from local councils, organisations and landowners is invaluable."
These remarks were made by Hollie Sutherland, the ELRSG project co-ordinator.
Background and Previous Cases
Squirrelpox was first recorded in Scotland in 2007 near Lockerbie.
Since then, cases have been confirmed in several red squirrel populations in southern Scotland.
Only one confirmed case has been recorded north of the central belt before this, which occurred in Dunfermline in 2024.
Additionally, six separate reports of sickness in red squirrels were recorded last month in the Venlaw area outside Peebles, along with one report in nearby Drumzelier.
Red squirrels are Scotland's only native squirrel species, but their numbers have declined to below 220,000, largely due to the invasive non-native grey squirrel.
