June 2008
Staff and volunteers remain on high alert as squirrel pox virus continues to reduce red squirrel numbers at the famous Formby red squirrel reserve
Since mid-November at least 30 red squirrels in the vicinity of the famous Formby Squirrel Reserve have died from Squirrel Pox Virus (SQPV). More may have perished in their dreys or fallen prey to foxes as easy pickings.
Andrew Brockbank, the National Trust’s property manager at Formby explains:
'It is six months since the first reports of a red squirrel showing signs of Squirrel Pox Virus, in a private garden close to the Formby reserve. A further three cases in the pine woods over the last month reminds us that the disease has not gone away and we need to remain vigilant and report sightings of sick red squirrels to The National Trust wardens or Red Alert. It is also vital to report sightings of grey squirrels in the Formby area so that these can be effectively dealt with.'
Co-ordinated action continues on the Sefton Coast to try and prevent the further spread of SQPV under the guidance of Ben Hargreaves, who is currently covering the role of part time Red Squirrel Conservation Officer with The Lancashire Wildlife Trust and Red Alert North England. Trained staff and volunteers search the woodlands daily for sick red squirrels. Any sick animals found are taken to a local vet for assessment and initial care. The main value of getting sick reds to veterinary care is to reduce suffering and to remove a source of further infection.
The results of the daily searches show that the likelihood of seeing a healthy red squirrel at the National Trust reserve in March this year had fallen to around 1/3rd of the level seen in November and now this has fallen further. The worst month for confirmed cases of SQPV was February with 9 cases although a problem remains the difficulty of catching up some sick red squirrels in order to get them to veterinary care.
Andrew goes on to say:
'The one positive sign is that the number of confirmed cases has fallen in March, April and May and there are still healthy red squirrels in some parts of the woodland. However, SQPV is a long-term issue and a major threat to red squirrel populations so we have to remain vigilant. Late Spring is the time when we expect to see the emergence of kittens (young squirrels) and the next few months will be telling in terms of future prospects for the local population.'
Ben comments:
'We are grateful for the tremendous support of local volunteers in helping with daily searches of the woodlands. We also appeal to local residents to continue to report sightings of sick or injured red squirrels in the pine woods and in private gardens locally.'
Anyone who sees grey squirrels in residents gardens, or sick or dead red squirrels is asked to contact Ben Hargreaves at Red Alert on 0151 920 3769.
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