Deadly squirrelpox has been confirmed in Clackmannanshire after a post-mortem examination of an adult male red squirrel in Dollar tested positive for the virus. This discovery marks only the second instance of the disease being detected north of the central belt.
How does squirrelpox spread to red squirrels?
The squirrelpox virus is carried by grey squirrels and while it does not affect them, it can rapidly be lethal when passed to red squirrels. According to the Eastern Lowlands Red Squirrel Group (ELRSG), the virus likely came from grey squirrels spreading into the area from the west of Dollar, where they have travelled north from the grey-only areas of the central belt.
Red squirrels are Scotland’s only native squirrel species. According to SSRS, the population is under threat with only an estimated 220,000 remaining in Scotland.
What are the immediate risks in Clackmannanshire and Fife?
Beyond the confirmed case in Dollar, conservation groups are investigating a sick red squirrel with possible signs of squirrelpox seen in Devilla Forest, Fife. The only other positive case of squirrelpox in a red squirrel north of the central belt was detected in Dunfermline, Fife, in April 2024. To mitigate further spread, the SSRS is asking people in the local area to take down any wildlife feeders in their gardens for at least two weeks.
How can the public assist in monitoring the outbreak?
Conservationists rely on public reporting to track the movement of the virus and manage populations. The ELRSG is actively seeking volunteers to host live traps in their gardens to assist with monitoring efforts. These efforts help teams continue monitoring the red and grey squirrel populations, and removing grey squirrels to reduce the prevalence of squirrelpox. According to Hollie Sutherland, project co-ordinator for the ELRSG, the support of local landowners and councils is critical in managing the disease.
Reporting and safety guidelines
- Report sightings: Submit records of both red and grey squirrels at scottishsquirrels.org.uk.
- Sick animals: Email photographs of symptomatic red squirrels to [email protected].
- Safety: Squirrelpox is not considered harmful to humans, but the public is advised not to approach sick animals. Contact the project for advice instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is squirrelpox dangerous to humans?
- No, the squirrelpox virus is not considered harmful to humans.
- Why do I need to take down my bird feeders?
- The Scottish Wildlife Trust partnership project Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS) is now asking people in the local area to take down any wildlife feeders in their gardens for at least two weeks to limit the spread of the virus.
- What should I do if I see a sick red squirrel?
- Do not approach it, and instead contact the project for advice.
Are you concerned about the future of Scotland’s native wildlife? Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest conservation updates or explore our archive of environmental reports to learn more about protecting local biodiversity.
