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Overview
The Squirrel Pox virus is usually fatal
to red squirrels. Grey squirrels are carriers of the
infection and can spread the disease to red squirrels.
However, greys very rarely die from this disease as they
have developed immunity having been exposed to the virus
for many years. In
sharp contrast, there are no known red squirrel
populations that have developed immunity and the
mortality rate for untreated infected squirrels in the
wild appears to be 100%; most dying within 15 days of
being infected. If caught early enough a vet may be able
to treat the squirrel but success is rare.
We have included
photographs to illustrate the true horror of the disease.
Please be aware that you may find them distressful which
is why we have included them as a separate page. Click here if you wish to view.
Transmission
The virus can spread through contact with the infected
lesions or contaminated crusts. Most pox viruses are
highly resistant to drying, which allows crusts to remain
infectious for long periods of time. It is believed that
the virus can be transferred by contaminated feeders,
which is why red squirrel preservation organizations
often recommend that feeders are disinfected daily. Traps
and equipment used for catching greys in areas also
occupied by red squirrels should also be disinfected.
Symptoms
In red squirrels, the virus causes skin ulcers, lesions,
and scabs. It can also cause swelling and discharge (from
the lesions/scabs) near the eyes, mouth, feet, and
genitalia. Additionally, squirrels that fall victim to
the disease often become increasingly lethargic as it
progresses.
Infected animals are said to resemble rabbits with
myxomatosis, in that they are sometimes found shivering
and lethargic. Death normally follows and is a long and
painful experience.
Origins
The origins of the squirrel pox virus are mostly unknown.
The first confirmed incident was in East Anglia in the
1980s. It has since spread to Lancashire (confirmed in
1995-1996), Cumbria (spring 1998), Durham (1999), and
Northumberland (1999). The squirrel pox virus is regarded
as a significant factor in the decline of red squirrel
populations in the UK.
Although the squirrel pox virus has only been recorded
once in Scotland, it may be more prevalent due to lack of
thorough testing.
It is thought to be similar to a case of disease seen in
East Anglian red squirrels at the turn of the 20th
Century.
The
above article was put together with the help of Squirrel
Action, Greenhead and Gilsland
For further information,
the Save Our Squirrels website has a comprehensive fact sheet.
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