A CASE of squirrel pox virus has been confirmed in Blundellsands.
It comes almost a year since the last confirmed case – in the Formby area – and is a devastating blow to conservationists working to protect the endangered red squirrels.
Squirrel pox is a threat to all red squirrels, particularly if they come into contact with grey squirrels, the carriers of the virus.
Fiona Whitfield, Conservation Officer with Lancashire Wildlife Trust, said: “We know there are good populations of Red Squirrels in both Blundellsands and Altcar, and we need to do everything we can to stop the disease from spreading back up the coast to the recovering populations of Formby and Freshfield.”
The public are asked to help conservationists hoping to contain the outbreak by reporting sightings of red or grey squirrels.
To report sick or dead red squirrels, call 07590 745 862 or visit www.saveoursquirrels.org.uk
