After receiving feedback on my photo of the poorly squirrel at Formby Point and confirming suspicions by speaking with someone at Save Our Squirrels (SoS), it appears the squirrel is actually infected with the squirrel pox virus (SQPV) that’s spreading throughout and threatening the entire UK red squirrel population.

I wasn’t aware of the problem when I took the photo and so didn’t report it, but I’ve since passed on details of my sighting to SoS. Hopefully, it will be of some use and hopefully this post will help to raise awareness of this deadly disease.

If you spot any red squirrels that look like they could be infected with SQPV, please report it as soon as possible so there’s a chance they can be treated and the risk of infection to healthy red squirrels is reduced.