About Squirrelpox Virus

There appears to be some confusion over the origin of the virus in the red squirrel population but what is not in doubt is the effect it has had, and is having, on the native red. Once a red squirrel is infected with the virus it develops lesions and scabs, especially around the eyes, nose and mouth. The symptoms have been described as being similar to those of a rabbit suffering from myxomatosis. Over 90% of red squirrels infected with the virus die, normally within 2 to 3 weeks. The accompanying photographs illustrate what happens to a red squirrel when it becomes infected. With the horrendous effects of the squirrelpox disease shown so graphically in the photographs, it is not unreasonable to assume that death comes as a welcome release.

The squirrelpox virus, which does not harm grey squirrels, is regularly carried by them however, and introduced into red squirrel populations with devastating results. It only needs one infected grey squirrel moving into a wood to consign all the reds to an unbelievably painful death.