Outbreak fears after squirrel with pox spotted

Red squirrels are a regular sight at Wooler Common

A case of squirrel pox has left wildlife volunteers facing an anxious wait to see if the "devastating" fatal illness is widespread.

An infected red squirrel was spotted at Wooler Common, in Northumberland, in recent days.

Although the highly contagious virus is often spread by grey squirrels, it affects only the red species.

David Symons, of the Wooler Red Squirrel Group, warned it will "probably be weeks before we know the extent of it".

Warning, this article contains a graphic image of a squirrel with pox

He said the group was hoping to contain the spread by removing a number of feeders placed around the area to encourage the animals to forage elsewhere.

The case was likely to have been caused by either a single or small number of greys "passing through or that have tried to create a territory", he believes.

The virus causes skin ulcers and scabs, as well as swelling and discharge near the eyes, mouth, feet and genitalia.

"It's a big concern - devastating really - and we are at the mercy of nature," Mr Symons acknowledged.

"Hopefully it will burn itself out without too many others being affected, but it can kill a whole colony of reds in a woodland.

"Usually we'd remove greys by trapping, which is legal because they're an invasive species.

"However, we're possibly as likely to trap a red and you run the risk of cross-contamination more than by letting greys be."

The infected red squirrel was close to death

He is encouraging all sightings of red and grey squirrels at the site to be reported on the group's Facebook page.

Grey squirrels were introduced in the 1800s from North America and have become the more dominant species in most places.

Mr Symons describes reds as "such small, beautiful creatures" but added "they're under tremendous threat".

"They've been decimated through England and you can only see them in a few pockets.

"We're fortunate we've been able to preserve them here in some parts of Northumberland and people travel a long way to see them."

Forestry England, which owns Wooler Common, has been approached for comment.