Red Squirrels in Britain Face a Fresh Threat from Squirrel Pox Outbreak
In recent developments, volunteers working tirelessly to protect England's red squirrels have expressed their disappointment and concern following sightings of infected red squirrels in the Cramlington and District areas of Northumberland. The culprit behind this outbreak is the squirrel pox virus, a threat that has been causing concern for conservationists across the country.
The gray squirrel, an invasive species introduced from North America in the late 19th century, is the primary carrier of the squirrel pox virus. This virus, fatal to red squirrels, has been causing a slow and painful death for these native animals.
To combat the spread of squirrel pox, current measures and community actions primarily focus on controlling grey squirrel populations. Various organizations and communities use live traps or shoot-to-kill methods to reduce grey squirrel numbers. Detailed protocols and best practices for trapping and humane control are provided by groups like the British Red Squirrel Society and BASC (British Association for Shooting and Conservation).
Community networks play a crucial role in this battle. Groups such as Red Squirrel South West encourage creating networks of volunteers and stakeholders to monitor grey squirrel populations and implement targeted control programs. This collaboration helps restore biodiversity and safer environments for red squirrel reintroduction.
In some regions, reintroducing pine martens, natural predators of grey squirrels, has been shown to reduce grey squirrel numbers. Projects are underway to reintroduce pine martens to parts of southwest England, which may help red squirrels indirectly by reducing the disease and competition pressure from greys.
Public education and awareness are also essential components of the strategy. UK Squirrel Accord and regional conservation groups produce educational materials and videos on the risks posed by grey squirrels and how to prevent damage like bark stripping, indirectly supporting red squirrel resilience.
Research into non-lethal methods, such as oral contraception for grey squirrels, is ongoing, potentially reducing the risk of squirrel pox spread without harm to other wildlife.
Monitoring and rapid response are key elements in preventing the spread of squirrel pox. Volunteers and conservationists monitor red and grey squirrel populations as well as squirrel pox incidence to enable early intervention and containment.
While efforts are chiefly about controlling grey squirrels to prevent virus transmission, there is widespread community engagement, including volunteer trapping, wildlife monitoring, and education campaigns, to protect red squirrels from the devastating impact of squirrel pox across England.
Despite these efforts, an outbreak of squirrel pox has been reported across various locations in England, including the Cramlington and District areas. The Cramlington and District Red Squirrel Group is urging residents in surrounding areas such as Blyth and Seaton Delaval not to leave food in gardens since shared food sources can facilitate the spread of infection among squirrels.
It is important to note that squirrel pox does not threaten humans, pets, or livestock, according to the UK's Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. However, the red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is facing new challenges in the United Kingdom due to the invasion of the gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis).
In summary, controlling grey squirrels, reintroducing natural predators like pine martens, community monitoring, and education comprise the main current strategies to prevent squirrel pox spread and protect England’s red squirrels.
- The outbreak of squirrel pox, a threat to England's red squirrels, has raised concerns in environmental science since it is linked to the presence of the gray squirrel, an invasive species that carries the virus.
- In the health and wellness sector, researchers are investigating non-lethal methods to manage the disease, such as oral contraception for gray squirrels, to reduce the risk of squirrel pox spread without negatively impacting other wildlife.
- While medical-conditions like squirrel pox are a major challenge for red squirrels, community efforts in environmental-science, such as trapping, wildlife monitoring, and education campaigns, aim to protect England's red squirrel populations from this devastating disease.
