In Britain, Red Squirrels May Suffer from a Smallpox Outbreak

Like France and the rest of Western Europe, England actively protects the red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) for several years. Not to be confused with the gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) which is also considered an invasive species.

Originally from North America, the gray squirrel was introduced to the rest of the world at the end of the 19th century. This introduction is problematic for the red squirrel. So much so that the little red rodents are gradually disappearing, giving way to their American cousins.

Gray squirrels transmit smallpox by invading the territory of their red cousins

In addition to competition for resources, the red squirrel is threatened by a deadly disease transmitted by the gray squirrel. The latter is a healthy carrier of the parapoxvirus or more simply squirrel pox.

This deadly disease is not dangerous for gray squirrels, but it could decimate populations of red arboreal rodents. A smallpox epidemic has broken out in England in several groups of red squirrels living in different locations.

Volunteer groups working to protect red squirrels in England say they are “devastated”. And for good reason, several individuals showing symptoms of smallpox have already been seen by volunteers from the Cramlington and District Red Squirrel Group in Northumberland County.

Squirrel pox is not dangerous for humans and other animals

A carcass sent for analysis was confirmed to be positive for parapoxvirus. Red squirrels affected by this disease succumb to a slow, painful death. Around four cases were recorded within a radius of 800 m² in two separate forests.

The situation is therefore particularly worrying for the future of red squirrels in England. As Leon Savage of the Cramlington group acknowledges, “this is a devastating development”.

The UK government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has confirmed the case of squirrel pox. However, he is reassuring. This disease poses no threat to humans, pets, and livestock.

“We encourage members of the public to report any suspicious incidents to the Animal and Plant Health Agency,” the department announced.

Residents are encouraged to remove all food sources from their gardens

So, how can we fight this smallpox epidemic that threatens red squirrels? While waiting for the arrival of a vaccine that could effectively protect them, everyone can help slow the spread of the disease.

The Cramlington and District Red Squirrel Group is asking people in Cramlington, Blyth, Seaton Sluice, New Hartley, Seaton Delaval and Seghill not to put food in their gardens. Squirrels actually contaminate each other by sharing food sources.

Other volunteers from the Bedlington and District Red Squirrel Group sadly believe they have spotted another red squirrel with smallpox. “We spotted one in Gallagher Park on the cameras but didn't catch it, so it may be dead,” confirms the group's Paul Brannon.

Volunteers hope to prevent spread of disease between isolated squirrel populations

For the moment, volunteers therefore continue to closely monitor red squirrel populations, hoping that these are only isolated cases. In particular, they work to ensure that smallpox does not spread between isolated populations of squirrels.

This would be “absolutely devastating after the efforts of the volunteers,” says Ian Glendinning. He is president of Northern Red Squirrels which represents volunteer conservation groups.

Source: BBC