Squirrel pox virus confirmed in one of our local red squirrels - an urgent reminder of why our work matters...

Yesterday brought the news we dread: one of our beloved red squirrels has been seen showing clear signs of the fatal squirrel pox virus, passed on by grey squirrels who remain unaffected themselves.

This little red is part of a small, closely monitored community near the centre of Keswick, in the Manor Brow area — an area where our team and local supporters have been working tirelessly to protect the reds.

Immediate Action Taken - our team has removed all feeders in the nearby woodlands to help reduce contact at shared feeding points. We’ll switch to ground feeding instead, for at least two weeks, and we’ve asked local residents to do the same.

Although little is known about the precise transmission route, squirrel pox is believed to spread through the greys’ bodily fluids. Red squirrels are especially vulnerable if they have cuts or grazes, and feeders can increase the risk of exposure.

At some of our control sites, we regularly disinfect feeders using Virkon-S in solution. But in this case, we feel removing feeders entirely is the safest choice.

How the Virus Spreads - it’s important to remember that the virus may also linger in the natural environment — on branches, walls, the ground, and even in small pools of water that both greys and reds may drink from.

This makes it all the more vital that we limit opportunities for cross-contact wherever possible.

A Devastating Disease - squirrel pox is a cruel and distressing illness. It causes painful sores and scabs, often around the eyes, mouth, claws, and genital area. Infected red squirrels gradually lose the ability to see, eat, and move normally. Sadly, death almost always follows within two to three weeks.

The virus has been known of since the 1980s, and the sharp decline in the UK’s red squirrel populations is directly linked to infections passed from greys to reds.

Hope for the Future? - there is active research into a potential vaccine for our reds, and the idea has strong support. But like many conservation challenges, it’s complex and would take time.

For now, the only effective protection is to reduce the risk — through grey control, careful monitoring, and community vigilance.

How You Can Help
Please help us protect the red squirrels of our region:
- Report all sightings promptly (especially greys and any sick or injured reds)
- Take down or disinfect feeders if you live in affected areas
- Donate to your local group to support our local conservation and monitoring efforts

Every action makes a difference. Together, we can give our reds the best possible chance to survive and thrive.