A public information meeting will be held later this month after there were more “concerning reports” of dead red squirrels in Dollar.
As previously reported in the Advertiser, the presence of squirrel pox among the town’s red squirrel population was confirmed back in July this year.
The case was confirmed by the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and was only the second time the virus has been detected north of the central belt.
It came after a member of the public photographed a sick looking red squirrel in May.
Now, a public information meeting will be held at Dollar Academy on Monday, November 30, from 7pm to 9pm.
It will see the Eastern Lowlands Red Squirrel Group discuss the current squirrel pox situation in Dollar, Clackmannanshire and Kinross-shire, and what people can do to help.
The group have warned that October “brought some concerning reports of dead red squirrels in the Glenrothes and Dollar areas.”
They said: “October brought several important opportunities to celebrate and monitor our native red squirrels, including Red Squirrel Awareness Week, the Great Scottish Squirrel Survey and our autumn walked transect surveys.
“We've been busy welcoming and training new volunteers, as well as supporting existing volunteers to use our updated survey methodology and new digital recording system, Epicollect (created by Fife Red Squirrel Group).
“We've also established new survey routes in priority areas around Glenrothes and Dollar and brought several historic routes back into use.
“These surveys help us understand where red squirrels are present, how populations may be changing and where conservation efforts are most needed.
“Unfortunately, October also brought some concerning reports of dead red squirrels in the Glenrothes and Dollar areas.
“We received reports of six dead red squirrels across these areas during the month, all of which were submitted for post-mortem examination.
“We are still awaiting results, so we cannot yet confirm the causes of death. However, these reports highlight the importance of remaining vigilant, particularly in areas where squirrel pox is a concern.
“Our volunteers and staff have been increasing monitoring in affected areas through wildlife cameras and walked surveys.
"We are extremely grateful to the local residents who have contacted us with sightings and reports. This information is invaluable in helping us understand what is happening to our red squirrel populations and where additional conservation work may be needed.
“If you spot a red or grey squirrel, please report your sighting through the Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels website.”
Anybody who finds a sick or dead red squirrel should also contact the group so the appropriate arrangements can be made.
If you wish to go along to the information meeting, places must be booked online through Eventbrite, it is free to attend.
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