A NEW outbreak of a deadly pox virus has hit the red squirrel population in South Lakeland.

Over the past two months the disease has claimed the lives of two squirrels in Kentmere, one in Little Langdale and four in Grasmere, with many more suspected to have gone unseen.

The Westmorland Red Squirrels group has said that the outbreak could result in a ‘substantial decline’ in South Lakeland’s red squirrel population if an insufficient number survive to breed next spring.

In what they describe as a ‘heartbreaking situation’, the group said: “One by one their little disease ridden bodies are being spotted. Those that are still alive but in the latter stages of the disease are humanely destroyed.”

Chairman Geoff Hetherngton said the spread is down to a big increase in the grey squirrel population following abundant wild food last autumn and a mild winter.

The disease is carried by the grey squirrel, which remains largely unaffected by infection.

However, red squirrels with the disease become lethargic, suffer lesions and tend to die in about two weeks.

The only known way to deal with the problem at the moment is to remove grey squirrels from red areas.

Mr Hetherington said: “Grey squirrels travel long distances looking for new territories so the disease could spread to other areas very quickly if not kept in check.

“We expect some of the red squirrels to survive in the areas recently affected by the virus, and the populations to recover in future years, but we need to keep up our efforts to protect them.

“Our volunteers are working very hard to control the spread of grey squirrels – this is not something we relish, but is currently the only way to ensure our red squirrels can survive here in South Lakeland.”

The area most at risk is Grasmere, which is the only spot with a large established red squirrel population, and the only place with a substantial risk of the disease being passed from red to red.

If you see a dead, sick or injured red squirrel, or one showing signs of disease contact Westmorland Red Squirrels group on 07836 584201 or 01539 552340.