Sad news of sick Red Squirrels in Formby with symptoms very similar to squirrel pox

Sad news of sick Red Squirrels in Formby with symptoms very similar to squirrel pox over the last few days.

A spokesperson from Lancashire Wildlife Trust (LWT) said: "Unfortunately we have received a number of reports of sick red squirrels in Formby over the last couple days and the symptoms appear very similar to squirrel pox. Symptoms of pox include lesions or scabs around the eyes, mouth and paws and the squirrel will appear very lethargic. This disease is fatal to red squirrels."

"We are asking everyone to be extra vigilant. Feeders create a source of infection so it is best to remove them completely until we have a better idea of the extent of the situation."

Squirrel pox virus is carried by grey squirrels but they do not suffer from any symptoms of the disease. It only takes 1 grey squirrel carrying the virus to introduce it to a red squirrel population.

If you see a grey squirrel or a sick red squirrel please report it to LWT by calling 07590745862.

With your help we hope we can prevent a repeat of the devastating outbreak we had 10 years ago.

To find out more, please visit: http://www.lancswt.org.uk/redsquirrels