Red Squirrel Sickness Investigations
The Tweeddale group has reported several successes in protecting red squirrels across its region.
Currently, tests are being conducted to determine the cause of illness observed in multiple red squirrels within the Scottish Borders.
To date, six cases have been reported in the Venlaw area near Peebles, along with one case in nearby Drumzelier.
One deceased squirrel has been recovered and is undergoing testing in Edinburgh to ascertain whether it was infected with squirrelpox, a disease transmitted by grey squirrels that is fatal to red squirrels.
Expert Commentary
Allan Johnstone, representing the Tweeddale Red Squirrel Network, described squirrelpox as a
"terrible disease" which affects squirrels similarly to how myxomatosis impacts rabbits.
He added,
"Squirrelpox is carried by the invasive grey squirrels that were brought into this country at the end of the 1800s."
Johnstone noted that grey squirrels have spread extensively across the UK and pose the greatest threat to the red squirrel population.
Efforts to reduce grey squirrel numbers in the Tweeddale area have yielded significant successes, particularly in the Innerleithen, Traquair, and Cardrona regions.
"Nowadays you are more likely to see a red squirrel than you are a grey squirrel."
Community Engagement
The Tweeddale Red Squirrel Network encourages the public to share stories they would like to cover from the south of Scotland.
Importance of Testing
Johnstone emphasized the necessity of confirming whether the recent cases are due to squirrelpox, stating,
"It is a particularly horrible disease and usually they [squirrels] last about 10 days before they die."
He also mentioned that other diseases could be responsible for the symptoms observed, making comprehensive testing essential.
The concerns in the Borders follow similar reports of sick red squirrels in Dollar, Clackmannanshire, last week.
Additional Information
For further details, see the related story: Squirrelpox warning after sick red squirrels spotted.
