First confirmed report of deadly squirrelpox virus found in a red squirrel in Scotland
A sick red squirrel with signs of squirrelpox virus was found near Lockerbie in south-west Scotland (20 miles from the border with England) on Tuesday 8th May. The squirrel was killed and tested at the Moredun Institute in Edinburgh, who confirmed the presence of the deadly virus believed to be carried by grey squirrels. This has important consequences for red squirrel conservation efforts in Scotland. Details can be found in a SNH press release at www.snh.org.uk/press/detail.asp?id=1693.