Alert after squirrelpox death in Fife

The first identified death of a red squirrel from squirrelpox virus north of Scotland’s central belt has been confirmed in Fife – and it could have serious consequences for the area’s red squirrel populations. People living in the region are urged to remain vigilant.

The case was confirmed on the outskirts of Dunfermline after a post-mortem examination of a red squirrel by the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. The animal was posted in by a member of the public who found it whilst walking in woodlands on the northern outskirts of the city last month.

It had ulcers and scabs around the eyes and mouth, both of which were confirmed as pox virus carried by grey squirrels which does not affect them but can be rapidly lethal when passed to red squirrels. It is usually fatal within two weeks and an outbreak can cause local populations to crash.

Liam Wilson from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies said: “This is a worrying development for red squirrels in Scotland, as this case north of the central belt may be the prelude to squirrelpox expansion both locally and further northward, although more investigative work is required to fully assess this risk.”

In the face of this new threat, conservation charities are asking for locals to remain vigilant and take action to help reduce the spread of the disease.

Nicole Still, Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS) Programme Manager, Scottishwildlife trust, said :“we are extremely concerned about this latest news and are asking the local community in Dunfermline to take immediate action and protect red squirrels by taking in all garden and woodland wildlife feeders for the next month, as these can contribute to the spread of the disease from greys to reds and between reds once infected.”