Squirrelpox claims four more



Another four red squirrels infected with squirrelpox have been found this week.

Two have died and the other pair, described as "not very well", are being cared for at Stapeley Grange RSPCA centre in Cheshire.

All four were found by volunteers in the National Trust-owned pinewoods.

Around 30 volunteers are searching Formby's woods for sick or dead red squirrels, before they can pass the lethal disease to others.

Squirrelpox is carried by greys, who are immune to it, but it is deadly to reds and there are fears it could wipe out the Formby reserve.

Fiona Whitfield of squirrel conservation group Red Alert is urging everyone to be vigilant and report any sick or dead red squirrels and any sightings of greys.

"This has continued for longer than the last outbreak, but that may be because we are searching harder and have got more people out there," she told The Champion.

"People should look out for red squirrels with lesions round their eyes and paws, looking lethargic or acting strangely.  If someone thinks a squirrel looks sick but they're not sure they should report it anyway."

The public are also asked to clean their garden feeders with strong disinfectant to help prevent the disease spreading, especially as squirrels are mating around this time of year.

The previous squirrelpox outbreak in 2006-07 claimed the lives of 26 endangered red squirrels.  So far this epidemic has killed 21 reds.

To report a squirrel sighting call Red Alert on 0151 9203769.

By Natasha Robson





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