Officials are investigating reports of sick-looking red squirrels in the Scottish Borders, with tests being carried out to determine if squirrelpox is responsible. The affected areas include Tweeddale, with sick individuals also spotted near Selkirk.
Red squirrels are a native species facing significant threats from the invasive grey squirrel. In the south of Scotland, 16 groups are actively working to control grey squirrel numbers and promote the native red squirrel population. However, these efforts are challenged by migrating grey squirrels from central Scotland and northern England.
Bill Ferguson of the Central Borders Red Squirrel Network highlighted the pressure on red squirrels. "Because very little is being done around Edinburgh and Glasgow we have invasive greys coming down from the central belt, putting the red squirrel population in the south of Scotland under threat," he stated.
Ferguson also urged the public to take preventative measures in their gardens. "We would ask everyone to do their bit by taking down bird feeders or anything else in their gardens where grey and red squirrels could congregate," he advised. He explained that even without direct contact, the disease can spread if a grey squirrel has recently been present where a red squirrel subsequently visits. Squirrelpox is known to be highly contagious and can be fatal to red squirrels, while grey squirrels can act as carriers without showing symptoms.