Deadly Squirrel Pox reported in the Appleby area

The public is urged to report sightings of sickly red squirrels as they might be infected following sightings at the Rutter Falls area. 

Squirrel Pox is a viral infection that, despite being carried by grey squirrels, can cause significant disease and is typically lethal in red squirrels.

In red squirrels, the virus results in noticeable lesions around the mouth, eyes, chin, and muzzle.

The virus only affects squirrels and there is no risk to the public's health.

A spokesperson from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said cases of the virus were detected in Cumbria and Northumberland towards the end of 2023.

💔UPDATE💔🐿️ It’s with great sadness to reveal that the healthy population of red squirrels at Rutter Falls near Appleby have been wiped out by the pox greys carry and spread 😭😢 I was informed this afternoon #nature #redsquirrel I’m devastated for Jim who lives there and… https://t.co/PqDaQwY1U1 pic.twitter.com/t7zElPiVlC

— Terry Abraham FRGS (@terrybnd) February 3, 2024

In December,  Cumbria Wildlife Trust ranger found a red squirrel that had died from squirrel pox in Neaum Crag holiday park in Ambleside.

If you see a sickly red or a grey squirrel, you can report it via https://www.penrithredsquirrels.org.uk/