Dollar residents are being advised to take down their wildlife feeders after a red squirrel, which could have squirrelpox, was spotted in Dollar Glen.
Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels, a partnership project led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, received an image sent by a member of the public which shows the unwell animal.
Sadly, the small creature is showing symptoms in the image which could be consistent with the disease.
Squirrelpox is highly contagious and poses a massive threat to native red squirrel populations across the United Kingdom.
The virus does not pose any risk to humans.
Grey squirrels can carry the disease, but they are rarely affected by it. Red squirrels have no natural immunity and so survival is unlikely.
Now, Dollar residents are being urged to take down any wildlife feeders in their gardens. This is because the virus can spread through shared habitats, feeders, and equipment.
A spokesperson at Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels said: "Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels has received an image of a sick red squirrel in Dollar Glen, Clackmannanshire, with symptoms that could be consistent with squirrelpox.
“It isn’t possible to be sure just from this photo, but it can’t be ruled out at this stage.
“The project is urging people in the area to keep an eye out and send in any photos or videos of sick red squirrels to squirrels@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk.
“It is also advising local people to take down any wildlife feeders in their gardens, and send any dead red squirrels found to the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.
“Squirrelpox symptoms include lesions around the face, paws and genitalia.
"The squirrel will appear to be noticeably unwell – it may be quite lethargic and remain stationary for long periods of time and be easy to approach.
“Squirrelpox is a virus spread by grey squirrels. Greys are unaffected by the virus, but it is usually fatal to red squirrels within two weeks if it is transmitted.
“Eastern Lowlands Red Squirrel Group are now working in the area to respond to this possible outbreak and can be contacted for more information at elredsquirrelgroup@gmail.com .
“There has only been one other positive case of squirrelpox north of the central belt, in Dunfermline in 2024."
Anyone who finds any dead red squirrels can find information on how to send them to the Royal School of Veterinary Studies on Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels’ website.
The National Trust for Scotland, who own Dollar Glen, said they have been made aware of a possible squirrelpox case.
A spokesperson said: “If any visitors notice anything unusual, please contact squirrels@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk.
“For those who live locally, we encourage taking down any garden feeders as a precaution.”
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