A squirrel pox outbreak has now been confirmed in Formby, raising fears for a population that has already suffered devastating losses. During the last major outbreak in 2008, Formby's red squirrel population fell by an estimated 80%.
Squirrel pox outbreak confirmed on the Sefton Coast – how people can help to save our red squirrels
Luke Massey/2020VISION
Lancashire Wildlife Trust are urging residents and visitors to take immediate action following the confirmation of a squirrel pox outbreak in Formby, warning that the coming weeks could be critical for one of England's most important remaining red squirrel strongholds.
Carried without symptoms by invasive, non-native grey squirrels, squirrel pox can spread unnoticed before reaching vulnerable red squirrel populations. For red squirrels, the disease is fatal, causing shivering and painful lesions that make it increasingly difficult to eat, move, and see. Most succumb to the illness within just two weeks.
The actions people take now determine how far this outbreak spreads.
While feeding wildlife comes from a place of kindness, communal feeding stations can become hotspots for disease transmission. Lancashire Wildlife Trust is urging people to remove feeders immediately in Formby and surrounding areas.
Those wishing to support wildlife are encouraged to scatter small amounts of fresh fruit with a high-water content, such as apple or melon. Bird baths and outdoor equipment that squirrels may access should also be cleaned daily using a wildlife-safe disinfectant.
Squirrel pox outbreaks are a serious threat to our already vulnerable red squirrel population. Using feeders may seem like a kind way to support nature, but they are dangerous when a virus is present. We want red squirrels to be around for generations to come, and our staff and volunteers are doing all we can to protect them from local extinction. We need the support of our community to help us.Red Squirrel Project Officer
Linda Baker
The Trust is asking people to report sightings of healthy, sick or deceased red squirrels, as well as grey squirrels. Every report helps track the outbreak, identify areas of concern, and respond quickly.
If you see a sick red squirrel, contact the Red Squirrel Team on 07590 745 862, leave a voicemail if necessary, and, if safe to do so, wear thick gloves and transport the animal in a secure carrier or ventilated box to your local veterinary practice, who should not charge to see sick wildlife.
Red squirrels are Britain's only native squirrel species. Once numbering millions and found from John o' Groats to Land's End, today just an estimated 287,000 remain, with around three quarters living in Scotland. Now confined to a handful of isolated strongholds, England's remaining population are increasingly vulnerable to local threats.
Lancashire Wildlife Trust
The red squirrels seen on the Sefton Coast today are the result of decades of conservation work by staff, volunteers, landowners, and communities determined to keep this iconic species thriving. Conservationists now fear that all progress could be undone if we fail to act.
Grey squirrel fertility control could reduce the risk of disease transmission by reducing grey squirrel numbers and their movement into red squirrel areas. The Red Squirrel Recovery Network is supporting its development by the Animal and Plant Health Agency, funded by the UK Squirrel Accord and supporters, and supported by Defra.
The future is promising, but Formby's red squirrels need our help today. Without continued conservation action, populations like Formby’s could be lost before this vital new tool is ready.Red Squirrel Recovery Network Communications Officer
To help further, consider volunteering for the Trap Loan Scheme, particularly in the Formby area, and if you currently have a trap but haven’t seen a grey squirrel in the past month, please contact 07590 745 862 so it can be reallocated where it is needed most.
Linda Baker
Formby’s red squirrels are resilient, but to survive this outbreak, they need our help. By following guidance and spreading the word, local people can help protect mainland England’s most southerly red squirrel stronghold.
For media enquiries, interviews, or further information regarding the outbreak and ongoing response efforts, please contact Communications Officer Heather Harris at hharris@lancswt.org.uk.
Peter Cairns/2020VISION
Sightings reports
Help us understand which areas require the most support for red squirrel populations by reporting both red and grey squirrel sightings.
