As you may have read, on Tuesday 8th of May, the first confirmed red squirrel with squirrelpox was discovered in Lockerbie.

Obviously this is really dismaying news and with the continued movement of grey squirrels throughout the countryside, news for which we had to be prepared. Bearing in mind that Lockerbie and Ayr are about 90 miles apart, we need to be vigilant.

The squirrelpox virus is a major threat to red squirrel populations and can devastate local populations. The virus is spread by both red and grey squirrels however grey squirrels appear to carry the virus but not to suffer from it. On the other hand if a red squirrel contracts the virus it will die within 15 days. The mode of transmission of the virus is currently unknown.

Squirrelpox symptoms. A red squirrel which has caught the virus initially appears lethargic and has poor coordination. At this stage it may be possible to treat the red squirrel. As the virus progresses further the red squirrel develops scabby lesions around the eyes, feet, mouth and genitalia. These symptoms are not dissimilar to myxomatosis in rabbits.

The red squirrel is highly infectious at this stage and it is unlikely that it could be successfully treated. The best course of action is to remove the red squirrel from the environment to prevent further spread of disease and take to a vet or SSPCA.

copyright C.Bruemmer

Advice on handling and transporting sick red squirrels

If a sick red squirrel is found, wearing thick, heavy duty gloves, place the animal in a cardboard box (larger than shoebox size) with a secure lid and air holes. It would be useful to carry gloves and a box with you when travelling in case a sick/injured red squirrel is found. Contact the SSPCA and take the animal to the surgery for treatment. The veterinary will decide whether the red squirrel can be treated, or whether euthanasia is in the animal's best interest. If there is any time delay, provide the squirrel with a small dish of water or some segments of sliced apple. Keep the red squirrel in the box in a warm, quiet, dark area away from direct sources of heat until transportation can be arranged.

Hopefully the word is getting through on the importance of recording sightings of both red and grey squirrels, in particular where grey squirrels are only just being seen.

Our sightings are increasing which is great and really deserves a big thank you to all of you who are taking the time and effort to record them. However we cannot stress the absolute importance of these sightings in the light of the recent events of May 8th - a real down day for red squirrels. Please, please keep up the good work and keep the sightings coming in.

Very many thanks to C. Bruemmer for supplying these pictures.

If you find a dead red squirrel, it is vitally important that it goes for testing.

Red Squirrel Post Mortems

If you find a dead red squirrel it may be possible for it to be sent for post mortem, in order to further our knowledge on the conservation, welfare and diseases of red squirrels. Please ensure that you wear disposable gloves when handling dead squirrels.

All dead red squirrels found in Scotland should be sent to:

Anna Meredith MA VetMB CertLAS DZooMed MRCVS
Head of Exotic Animal Service/ Senior Lecturer
Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh
Hospital for Small Animals, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre
Roslin
Midlothian EH25 9RG
0131 650 7652 /6247
annam@miscorp.ed.ac.uk

Postage and Packaging

It is imperative that red squirrels sent for post mortem are appropriately packaged. We do not wish to upset the Post Office with leaking packages.

If it is not possible to post the red squirrel the same day that it is found, carcasses should be stored refrigerated but only if you have the appropriate facilities, (e.g. at a wildlife centre, veterinary surgery). DO NOT use domestic fridges - carcasses may carry dangerous infectious agents. Carcasses may be frozen if absolutely necessary.

Any direct contact with the dead squirrel should be avoided, i.e. place your hand within a plastic bag, pick up the carcass with covered hand and invert the bag over the carcass and tie the bag securely. Use a separate bag for each carcass.

The secured bag must then be wrapped in absorbent material e.g. kitchen roll, which then must be placed in another two sealed plastic bags.

The package should then be placed within a crush proof container, such as a margarine tub (this does not have to be done separately for each squirrel, as long as each specimen is properly bagged), then with an accompanying note (name, address and telephone number of sender; date, time & location found; storage conditions; suspected cause of death), packaged within a jiffy post-bag, or a substantial brown paper parcel.

The senders name and address should be written clearly on the back of the package and the package MUST be labeled:
PATHOLOGICAL SPECIMEN - FRAGILE - HANDLE WITH CARE

Packages must be sent either by guaranteed next day delivery or first class post. Please do not send packages on a Thursday or Friday, as the laboratory may be closed at the weekend.

Although you will have used an inverted plastic bag or disposable gloves, please remember to wash your hands after dealing with the dead red squirrel and disinfect any surfaces used.

Please inform your local Red Squirrel Conservation Officer if you are sending a red squirrel for post-mortem so that they can notify the lab.

Shona Munro
Ayrshire Red Squirrel Conservation Officer
Donald Hendrie Building
Scottish Agricultural College
Auchincruive
Ayr
KA6 5HW

01292 520929
0782 344 8175

shonaredsquirrel@btconnect.com