Confirmed Case of Squirrel Pox in Formby Prompts Urgent Appeal to Protect Red Squirrels

33 minutes ago
2 min read

Residents in Formby are being urged to take immediate action after further testing has confirmed that a suspected case of squirrel pox in the north east area of Formby is positive.

Squirrel pox is a highly infectious virus that can spread rapidly through populations, with devastating consequences for red squirrels. The disease is carried by grey squirrels without symptoms, but it is almost always fatal to red squirrels, with most dying within two weeks of infection.

To help reduce the risk of transmission, the public is now being asked to remove all squirrel feeders. Feeders can become contaminated with dried bodily fluids from infected squirrels, allowing the virus to spread quickly between animals.

Anyone who sees a sick or injured squirrel is asked to report it by emailing red.squirrel@lancswt.org.uk or calling 07590745862.

A spokesperson for the National Trust at Formby said: “the situation is a stark reminder of how vulnerable the local red squirrel population remains.”

“The 2008 outbreak saw around 80 percent of Formby’s red squirrels wiped out in a very short space of time, and its impact is still felt today. Formby remains the most southerly stronghold for red squirrels on mainland England, but the population is still fragile.”

“The National Trust team, alongside volunteers, are now working tirelessly to reduce the risk of another major outbreak. This includes close monitoring, habitat management and early preventative action based on the latest disease guidance.”

They also stressed that public support is crucial, with simple actions such as removing feeders, reporting sightings and watching for signs of illness playing a vital role in protecting the species.

Squirrel pox spreads most easily through close contact and shared feeding areas, which is why current guidance is considered essential for the survival of red squirrels in Formby.

The message from conservation teams is clear. The red squirrels are still here, but their future depends on swift action and community support to ensure the devastation of 2008 is not repeated.