FAQ: What is squirrelpox?
This virus, which is carried yet harmless to greys, is fatal to our native reds. Often mistaken for myxomatosis, the virus lodges in red squirrels’ eyelids and mucous membranes, which become infected and swollen, and produces scabs in and around the mouth, feet, ears and genitalia. The infected squirrel is unable to see or to feed comfortably and quickly becomes malnourished. The disease is highly contagious to reds and kills within 15 days of infection. Although the means of transmission is still being investigated, it is possible that the virus could be transmitted by fleas, lice, ticks, mites, air, and urine, or by saliva that is left on feeders. Squirrelpox is already present in south Scotland as greys, some carrying squirrelpox, spreading into the south from England.
Red Squirrels in South Scotland (RSSS), the sister project of SSRS, is working there to contain the virus. For more information, visit the official RSSS website at www.red-squirrels.org.uk.
