The presence of squirrelpox in red squirrels has now been confirmed in Clackmannanshire.
This comes after the Advertiser previously reported that Dollar residents were being advised to take down their wildlife feeders after one of the animals, suspected to have the virus, was spotted in Dollar Glen.
Now, a post-mortem examination of an adult male red squirrel found in the town has confirmed that squirrelpox is present in the population.
Hollie Sutherland, project coordinator for the Eastern Lowlands Red Squirrel Group, said: “It is very upsetting to see red squirrels suffering and dying from squirrelpox in this area.
“We have a significant population of red squirrels in Clackmannanshire, which people are supportive and protective of.
“The virus has likely come from grey squirrels spreading into the area from the west of Dollar, where they have travelled north from the grey-only areas of the central belt.”
The case was confirmed by the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and is only the second time the virus has been detected north of the central belt.
Grey squirrels can carry the disease, but they are rarely affected by it. Red squirrels have no natural immunity and so survival is unlikely.
Symptoms include ulcers, scabs and weeping lesions on the face, paws and genitalia, all of which can prevent reds from eating, drinking or moving.
As a result, it is usually fatal within two weeks and if left unmanaged, an outbreak can cause local populations to crash.
Since a member of the public photographed a sick looking red squirrel in June, conservation groups, volunteers, landowners and local residents have been on the lookout, reporting any sick or dead red squirrels they find.
People in the local area have been asked to take down any wildlife feeders in their gardens for at least two weeks to limit the spread of the virus.
ELRSG is leading on the groundwork to limit the spread of the virus.
Those interested in volunteering with survey and/or grey squirrel control efforts in the area can email elredsquirrelgroup@gmail.com.
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