Red Squirrel population under threat as pox outbreak confirmed

The Merseyside and Lancashire Red Squirrel Project has asked local nature lovers to remove any squirrel feeders they may have left in the area surrounding the Formby Pinewoods after cases of squirrelpox were confirmed in the area.

The organisation revaled last month that suspected cases had been discovered, but full confirmation of a squirrelpox outbreak has now been confirmed.

The Merseyside and Lancashire Red Squirrel Project said:”Unfortunately, we have continued to receive reports of red squirrels displaying symptoms of squirrelpox. Most of these reports have come from the pinewoods of National Trust Formby and around Victoria Road. In the last week, we have received reports of reds with pox symptoms on Halsall Road, Old Mill Lane and further along Victoria Road.

“The Animal and Plant Health Agency have confirmed the disease to be squirrelpox.Squirrelpox is carried by grey squirrels but they do not suffer from any symptoms. However, it is fatal to red squirrels who will develop lesions around the eyes, mouth and on the paws and will usually die within a couple of weeks. It only takes one grey squirrel to introduce pox into a red squirrel population, but it is then transmitted readily between red squirrels.

“If you live in the area, please remove any feeders you have out to reduce the spread of the disease.

“Please continue to report any sightings of sick/dead red squirrels and grey squirrels to Lancashire Wildlife Trust on 07590745862 (text or call) or red.squirrel@lancswt.org.uk.

“Please continue to report sightings of healthy red squirrels, either by text to 07590745862 or using our online form: https://www.lancswt.org.uk/red-squirrel-sightings-form…“