Northern Ireland red squirrels face
second outbreak of fatal pox - read this report by the BBC
published on their website last week.
A second outbreak of a fatal red squirrel disease has been
confirmed in Glenarm Forest in County Antrim.
It follows an outbreak of squirrel pox in County Down three
months ago.
The disease is carried by the non-native grey squirrel which is
immune to its effects. Infected red squirrels die within 15 days of
contracting the virus.
The disease has already had a devastating effect on native red
squirrel populations across the UK.
Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) Senior Wildlife
Inspector, Dr Declan Looney said it was becoming a real cause for
concern.
"The previous outbreak was three months ago and over 80 miles
away in County Down," he said.
"We are monitoring the situation but would ask for the public
to remain vigilant and immediately report any squirrels showing
signs of the disease to the NIEA wildlife team or to a member of
the NI Squirrel forum.
"Many of our native species such as the red squirrel are
increasingly under pressure and it is very important that we do all
we can to protect them".
John Griffin from Dard's Forest Service, added: 'We will
urgently begin work with the adjacent landowner Antrim Estates, the
Glens Red Squirrel Group and the other partners within the Northern
Ireland Squirrel Forum to implement control measures to safeguard
the local red squirrel population at Glenarm.
"We acknowledge the dedication and vigilance of the Glens Red
Squirrel Group which resulted in the discovery of the two suspect
cases.'
The decline of red squirrels in the UK is blamed primarily on
the effects of squirrel pox as well as the loss of woodlands and
competition from grey squirrels.
