Several red squirrels have been found dead in South East Northumberland as the Animal and Plant Health Agency confirmed that the squirrel pox virus is present in the area.
The illness, which first came to Northumberland in 1999, cannot affect humans or livestock. However, it is fatal to red squirrels when it is passed on from their larger grey cousins.
The APHA has confirmed a single case of squirrel pox in the county from testing a carcass, but members of Cramlington and District Red Squirrel Group believe that more of the animals animals have succumbed to the disease. Group volunteers have found seven dead squirrels in the last two weeks, at least two of which they believe have symptoms of the virus – such as scarring around the eyes and mouth.
Leon Savage, a volunteer with the Cramlington and District Red Squirrel Group, said that the group were devastated at the outbreak. He told ChronicleLive: “It’s at that point where there’s obviously the risk of a grey squirrel and a red squirrel coming into contact with each other and obviously that’s happened.”
A squirrel affected by squirrel pox in Cramlington
(Image: Cramlington and District Red Squirrel Group)
Leon encouraged residents living near the Cramlington Nature Reserve to help where they could. He said: “Obviously, a lot of our woodlands back onto residential properties so if they’ve got bird feeders or happen to have squirrel feeders, remove them.
“If they’re not willing to, clean them on a regular basis, especially after a grey squirrel has visited. Anything to reduce that contact between the two species can help.”
While the situation is far from ideal, Leon has still regularly seen red squirrels in recent weeks. However, greys are encroaching onto the area where they previously had not.
He said: “There just seems to have been a huge influx of grey squirrels in our area. Our culling totals are double what they have been in previous years and it’s not showing any signs of letting up.”
An Animal and Plant Health Agency spokesperson said: “There is a single confirmed case of squirrel pox in the Blyth area of Northumberland.
“The virus only affects squirrels and there is no risk to human or livestock health. We encourage members of the public to report any suspected incidents to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.”
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