Killer poxvirus threatens Britain's native red squirrels
Pastor Dale Morgan
Killer poxvirus threatens Britain's native red squirrels
*Britain's native red squirrel population is under serious threat from a
killer disease for which there is no known antidote.
Squirrel poxvirus could wipe out the species, which has been in the
country for 10,000 years, in some of its habitats in northern England
within a decade. The virus is spread to the reds by the grey squirrel,
introduced to Britain from North America in the late 19th century and
regarded as pests.
It had previously been believed that the main challenge to the survival
of reds, which are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, was
from competition for food and other resources from the hardier greys.
While 70 per cent of grey squirrels carry the virus they do not seem to
be affected by it. However it causes deep sores and ulcers on the face,
feet and thighs of reds and usually results in death within two weeks. A
new study has shown that where the virus has been detected, the rate of
decline in reds is 17 to 25 times higher than in places where there has
been no outbreak.
Researchers say that the only effective way of stopping the spread is to
kill grey squirrels at the entry points to England's 16 designated red
squirrel refuges. The recommendation is made in the academic journals
Epidemiology and Infection and Biological Conservation by a team from
Newcastle University and Queen Mary, University of London.
Scientists analysed records on red squirrel populations in Norfolk and
Cumbria - both areas that suffered outbreaks of the virus.
The team then compared the figures with similar records from red
squirrel strongholds in Scotland and Italy unaffected by the virus. It
concluded that the only practical way forward is the strategy of red
squirrel refuge areas where control of grey squirrels bringing the
disease could be targeted at entry points.
Dr Peter Lurz, a co-author of both reports, said: "We are not trying to
wipe out the grey squirrel but as conservationists we have a duty to
look after the red squirrel as it is a protected, native species."