28 February 2008

DEADLY POX VIRUS OUTBREAK DISCOVERED ON ANGLESEY

A red squirrel in Pentraeth forest has been found with the deadly squirrel pox virus during routine monitoring of the population. The animal was taken to the Welsh Mountain Zoo for treatment but died a few hours later. A second animal is currently being treated in the hospital unit at the Zoo.

Pentraeth forest contains one of the largest Welsh red squirrel populations, and the animals are genetically distinct from populations found elsewhere in Great Britain. The discovery of squirrel pox virus could prove to be a devastating blow to conservation efforts on the island.

Infected animals develop large skin lesions and open sores on the body, particularly around the mouth and eyes. Many animals become blind and bacterial infection of the open sores leads to a painful death. Previous outbreaks of ‘squirrel-pox virus’ in Cumbria have led to large numbers of deaths within several local red squirrel populations and scientific research has indicated that the disease is one of the major factors in the extinction of red squirrels in the UK.

Charles Dutton of the European Squirrel Initiative (ESI) commented,

“This outbreak once again highlights the continuing threat posed to red squirrels by the invasive North American grey squirrel. The squirrel pox virus is carried by grey squirrels, which are immune to the disease. However once a red squirrel picks up the virus, the animal will die within two weeks.”

He continued, “The reappearance of this fatal virus in Wales gives cause for great concern as, alongside the more aggressive feeding habits of the larger grey, it has caused the disappearance of reds across large swathes of the UK. It demonstrates the urgent need to remove greys from the landscape.”

Having discovered the disease in the forest, scientists implemented an emergency plan aimed at halting any further spread of the virus. This involved catching and carefully examining red squirrels in the forest and cleaning feed hoppers with anti-viral disinfectant. The wild red squirrel population will be monitored for any further signs of disease with viral screening being carried out by staff at Veterinary Laboratories Agency of DEFRA.

Dr Craig Shuttleworth, woodland ecologist at Menter Môn, said,

‘The virus could not have come at a worse time of year. There are large numbers of pregnant and lactating female squirrels in the forest, and other animals which will begin breeding soon. The squirrel-pox virus can be spread by direct contact and any animal which becomes infected will die within two weeks. There is a very real risk that a significant part of the population could be lost.’

‘We found the virus in Newborough forest during 2006 and managed to safeguard the red squirrel population there, however the population in Pentraeth live at a much higher density and so the chance of cross-infection is much greater.’

A video showing the effects of the recent outbreak can be seen by visiting the main news page on the Friends of the Anglesey Red Squirrels’ website at www.redsquirrels.info

Ends 

Notes to Editors

 For further information and digital images please contact Dr Craig Shuttleworth on 07966150847 or via email Craig@redsquirrels.info