SalopPhil
Well-known member
The following press release has just been sent out by the National Trust and I thought you might find it of sad and disturbing interest.
Tests have now confirmed that eleven red squirrels which have died since mid-November in the vicinity of the famous Formby Reserve had contracted Squirrel Pox Virus (SQPV).
Andrew Brockbank, the National Trust’s property manager at Formby explains, “We have been looking out for red squirrels showing signs of SQPV since last year’s outbreak at Ainsdale which is just to the North of the reserve and until mid November we’d had no known cases. But we feared that the disease would appear sooner or later.”
“At the moment our priorities are to restrict the spread of this devastating disease. We are asking visitors to Formby to be vigilant and report sightings of sick red squirrels to the warden. No attempt should be made to handle sick or dead animals.”
Combined action is being taken at Formby to try and prevent the further spread of the SQPV with woodland owners along the coast working closely together. Trained staff and volunteers are searching the woodlands for sick red squirrels, which are taken to a vet for care when found. Meanwhile, where grey squirrels are seen within the buffer zone every effort is made to trap them.
Andrew goes on to say, “The one positive sign we have at the moment is that there are still plenty of healthy red squirrels in the woodland canopy. However, SQPV is a long-term issue and a major threat to red squirrel populations so we have to remain vigilant.”
“We are grateful for the tremendous response of local volunteers and residents in helping with daily searches of the woodlands.”
Tests have now confirmed that eleven red squirrels which have died since mid-November in the vicinity of the famous Formby Reserve had contracted Squirrel Pox Virus (SQPV).
Andrew Brockbank, the National Trust’s property manager at Formby explains, “We have been looking out for red squirrels showing signs of SQPV since last year’s outbreak at Ainsdale which is just to the North of the reserve and until mid November we’d had no known cases. But we feared that the disease would appear sooner or later.”
“At the moment our priorities are to restrict the spread of this devastating disease. We are asking visitors to Formby to be vigilant and report sightings of sick red squirrels to the warden. No attempt should be made to handle sick or dead animals.”
Combined action is being taken at Formby to try and prevent the further spread of the SQPV with woodland owners along the coast working closely together. Trained staff and volunteers are searching the woodlands for sick red squirrels, which are taken to a vet for care when found. Meanwhile, where grey squirrels are seen within the buffer zone every effort is made to trap them.
Andrew goes on to say, “The one positive sign we have at the moment is that there are still plenty of healthy red squirrels in the woodland canopy. However, SQPV is a long-term issue and a major threat to red squirrel populations so we have to remain vigilant.”
“We are grateful for the tremendous response of local volunteers and residents in helping with daily searches of the woodlands.”
