What is the status of the squirrel pox outbreak in Kirkbean, Scotland?

The article reports that a suspected case of squirrel pox has been found in the village of Kirkbean on the Solway Coast, and the dead red squirrel has been sent for testing to confirm the presence of the disease.

How does the squirrel pox virus affect the red squirrel population in Scotland?

Squirrel pox is a highly contagious virus that is often carried by grey squirrels but is deadly only to red squirrels. Outbreaks of the virus can cause a substantial reduction in local populations of red squirrels.

What actions are being taken by Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels (SSRS) to address the potential squirrel pox outbreak in Kirkbean?

SSRS has urged residents in the area to remove wildlife feeders from their gardens and thoroughly clean them using an anti-viral solution. The organization is also working with the Royal Dick Veterinary School to monitor the health of red squirrels and process the testing of the dead squirrel found in Kirkbean.

Home / Environment / Deadly Squirrel Pox Outbreak Alarms Scottish Village

Deadly Squirrel Pox Outbreak Alarms Scottish Village

30 Oct

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Summary

Suspected case of squirrel pox found in Kirkbean village
Highly contagious virus often carried by grey squirrels
Outbreak can cause substantial reduction in red squirrel populations

Deadly Squirrel Pox Outbreak Alarms Scottish Village

On October 30th, 2025, a suspected case of the deadly squirrel pox virus has been reported in the village of Kirkbean on the Solway Coast in Scotland. The virus, which is highly contagious and often carried by grey squirrels, is fatal to the native red squirrel population.

Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels (SSRS), a part of the Scottish Wildlife Trust, has confirmed that a dead red squirrel was found in a local garden and has been sent for testing to confirm the presence of the disease. SSRS has urged all residents in the area to immediately remove any wildlife feeders from their gardens and thoroughly clean them using an anti-viral solution.

Squirrel pox outbreaks can have a devastating impact on red squirrel populations, causing a substantial reduction in their numbers. The first known outbreak in Scotland occurred in 2007 near Lockerbie, and the disease has since spread to various red squirrel populations across the south of the country. The first death of a red squirrel north of Scotland's central belt was confirmed in Dunfermline last year.

SSRS has reminded the public to report any sightings of grey squirrels on their website, as the organization works to monitor and prevent the further spread of this deadly virus. The post-mortem testing on the squirrel found in Kirkbean is expected to take around two weeks, and if the results confirm the presence of squirrel pox, a number of traps will be set to catch the grey squirrels in the area.

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