Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
'Relief' as squirrel's death not caused by pox
3 hours ago
Wildlife enthusiasts say they are relieved after a suspected case of squirrel pox was confirmed to be an alternative - although still fatal - disease.
A red squirrel was spotted at Wooler Common, in Northumberland, in late August with pox-like symptoms and died shortly after.
That led to fears the area's reds could be decimated by the illness, which causes skin ulcers and scabs, as well as swelling and discharge near the eyes, mouth, feet and genitalia.
However, a report by medical experts found the animal's cause of death was histiocytosis, "an unusual, tumour-like condition" which has so far only been recorded in a small number of red squirrels across the country.
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62l48eyn7no.amp
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Screenshot:
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https://www.facebook.com/groups/2115237918724955/posts/4036443546604373/
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Wooler Red Squirrel Group
September 19 at 10:32 AM
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I know that many of our friends and followers will be anxiously awaiting an update on the situation at Wooler Common. We have recovered one dead squirrel which has very similar afflictions to that of the squirrel in the photo in our previous post. We cannot be sure that it is the same squirrel, but the probability is reasonably good. The dead squirrel is with the laboratory of the Animal and Plant Health Authority so that a cause of death can be determined. It could be another couple of weeks or more before the result is known. On a positive note, at this point, we have had no further reports of any poorly squirrels. The video in this post was taken earlier in the week at the Common by one of our members. It is encouraging to see. We are still in the 'watch and wait' stage with fingers very much crossed and will post a further update when we receive the veterinary report.
https://www.facebook.com/woolerreds/videos/645802601916711/
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Wooler Red Squirrel Group
4d
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We have received the final report from the Animal and Plant Health Authority which concludes that the infected red squirrel died from histiocytosis and not pox. The cause of histiocytosis is unknown and there have been only 9 previous cases recorded, predominantly in Lancashire. Thank you for all of your messages of concern and support. Special appreciation to our photography friends who have suspended visits during the waiting period. The red squirrel population at the Common is in fine fettle and we our plans are to encourage dispersion into adjoining woodland. If you'd like to help with our work then you would be made very welcome.
https://www.facebook.com/woolerreds/posts/we-have-received-the-final-report-from-the-animal-and-plant-health-authority-whi/1210511047770809/
3 hours ago
Wildlife enthusiasts say they are relieved after a suspected case of squirrel pox was confirmed to be an alternative - although still fatal - disease.
A red squirrel was spotted at Wooler Common, in Northumberland, in late August with pox-like symptoms and died shortly after.
That led to fears the area's reds could be decimated by the illness, which causes skin ulcers and scabs, as well as swelling and discharge near the eyes, mouth, feet and genitalia.
However, a report by medical experts found the animal's cause of death was histiocytosis, "an unusual, tumour-like condition" which has so far only been recorded in a small number of red squirrels across the country.
...
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62l48eyn7no.amp
--------------------------------------------
Screenshot:
...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2115237918724955/posts/4036443546604373/
--------------------------------------------
Wooler Red Squirrel Group
September 19 at 10:32 AM
·
I know that many of our friends and followers will be anxiously awaiting an update on the situation at Wooler Common. We have recovered one dead squirrel which has very similar afflictions to that of the squirrel in the photo in our previous post. We cannot be sure that it is the same squirrel, but the probability is reasonably good. The dead squirrel is with the laboratory of the Animal and Plant Health Authority so that a cause of death can be determined. It could be another couple of weeks or more before the result is known. On a positive note, at this point, we have had no further reports of any poorly squirrels. The video in this post was taken earlier in the week at the Common by one of our members. It is encouraging to see. We are still in the 'watch and wait' stage with fingers very much crossed and will post a further update when we receive the veterinary report.
https://www.facebook.com/woolerreds/videos/645802601916711/
---------------------------------------------
Wooler Red Squirrel Group
4d
·
We have received the final report from the Animal and Plant Health Authority which concludes that the infected red squirrel died from histiocytosis and not pox. The cause of histiocytosis is unknown and there have been only 9 previous cases recorded, predominantly in Lancashire. Thank you for all of your messages of concern and support. Special appreciation to our photography friends who have suspended visits during the waiting period. The red squirrel population at the Common is in fine fettle and we our plans are to encourage dispersion into adjoining woodland. If you'd like to help with our work then you would be made very welcome.
https://www.facebook.com/woolerreds/posts/we-have-received-the-final-report-from-the-animal-and-plant-health-authority-whi/1210511047770809/