A WILDLIFE group says red squirrels in Dollar may be infected with a dangerous virus - years after the first case was confirmed in Dunfermline.
Scotland's Red Squirrels and the Eastern Lowlands Red Squirrel Group have received multiple reports of sick red squirrels in the Clacks town.
They said the symptoms are believed to be consistent with squirrel pox.
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.
It is a virus spread by grey squirrels. Greys are unaffected by the virus, but it is fatal to red squirrels within about two weeks.
There has only been one other positive case of squirrel pox, which was found in Dunfermline in 2024.
Post-mortem results are the only way to confirm the disease, but experts think it is highly likely from video evidence they have viewed.
The group is urging residents in Dollar to take down any wildlife feeders in their gardens for the next two weeks, and send any dead red squirrels found to the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.
Information on how to do this is on the Saving Scotland's red squirrels website.
Eastern Lowlands Red Squirrel Group are working to contain the spread of the potential virus and is calling for residents to get in touch if they can host a live trap in their garden.
Anyone who can help or has images of sick red squirrels should contact elredsquirrelgroup@gmail.com
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