Experts worried about Squirrel Pox

[Pat Gill]

We hear a lot in this forum about the fate of Irelands bird population.

Are there any organisations besides NPW who work to support the welfare of our mammal population?

Wildlife experts are concerned at the spread of squirrel pox virus (SQPV) after a third case of the deadly disease has been confirmed in a little over a month.
A native red squirrel was discovered suffering from SQPV in south Dublin earlier this week.
This follows earlier cases in red squirrels in Hollywood and Kilmacanogue in Co Wicklow.


Experts worried about spread of squirrel pox - RT News

[Mr. Bumble]

That settles. Squirrels and me are done.

[slippy wicket]

At this stage, bar a nationwide extermination campaign aimed at the greys , the poor red squirrel has a poor prognosis.

Its a shame, I still remember the first time i saw one in the Wicklow mountains. Hopefully future generations will have that pleasure too.

[Pat Gill]

At this stage, bar a nationwide extermination campaign aimed at the greys , the poor red squirrel has a poor prognosis.

Its a shame, I still remember the first time i saw one in the Wicklow mountains. Hopefully future generations will have that pleasure too.

There is a population of Red's living quite near me but the grey squirrel seems to be able to deal better with a more urban environment

[Mushroom]

"Grey squirrels are not native to Ireland, but originally came from the forests of eastern North America. The Irish population originated from a single introduction in 1911, at Castle Forbes in Co. Longford; apparently they were introduced at a wedding party. Since then, grey squirrels have colonised 20 counties in Ireland, and the spread is continuing." SOURCE

A strange wedding gift?

[rockofcashel]

Simple answer.. don't ride a squirrel and you'll be all right

[flavirostris]

That's desperate news. As if the Red Squirrel didn't have enough problems with Greys. Why couldn't this pox have affected greys.

[neiphin]

At this stage, bar a nationwide extermination campaign aimed at the greys , the poor red squirrel has a poor prognosis.

Its a shame, I still remember the first time i saw one in the Wicklow mountains. Hopefully future generations will have that pleasure too.

could the state issue a bounty on greys ?
just like they have done with mink

[Spanner Island]

We hear a lot in this forum about the fate of Irelands bird population.

Are there any organisations besides NPW who work to support the welfare of our mammal population?

Is this a wind up?

I'm sure I heard somewhere that the indigenous red squirrel can only be found west of the Shannon these days... having been wiped out by the bigger and more aggressive grey squirrel throughout the rest of the country?

[Vote_No_on_Everything]

Simple answer.. don't ride a squirrel and you'll be all right

And don't go near their nuts either.