A squirrelpox outbreak is spreading along the Solway coast.
The deadly virus was discovered near Palnackie last month but has now been found as far east as Carsethorn.
Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels are aware of at least 15 squirrel deaths as a result of the outbreak with a number of sightings of sick animals reported.
Red squirrels under threat as deadly squirrelpox virus discovered in the Stewartry
The charity is urging people to remove wildlife feeding equipment which increases the risk of the disease spreading and report squirrel sightings. The virus is carried by grey squirrels and is fatal to native reds.
The charity’s conservation officer Dr Stephanie Johnstone said: “With support of local volunteers from the Solway Forests Red Squirrel Network, we have deployed emergency squirrelpox outbreak response measures.
“Grey squirrels are being removed from the area through live trapping and humane dispatch. We know that when grey squirrel numbers are kept low, red squirrel populations can recover following the devastation of an outbreak.
“Any captured sick red squirrels will be taken to a veterinary clinic in Castle Douglas where they will be assessed and either treated or euthanised.”
Solway Forests Red Squirrel volunteer, Julia Gallagher, added: “The arrival of this disease in our area is very distressing. I have seen too many cases now and we need to try and combat the spread of this outbreak. One way people can help is by reporting sick red squirrels and healthy greys to us when they are seen.”
Sightings of red and grey squirrels can be reported at scottishsquirrels.org.uk .
