Squirrelpox (SQPV) – how it spreads.
by Chris, 22 March, 2017, 3 comments
It is well known that the native populations of the red squirrel have been depleted in significant numbers over the last century This is in part due to habitat loss, and competition with and displacement by the grey squirrel but also the insidious squirrel pox virus has been at work. Research workers at the Queen’s University, Belfast have been investigating how this virus passes from animal to animal.
Though grey squirrels carry the virus, they seem to be relatively immune to its effects. However, they pass out the virus in their urine. The virus can persist in the environment for some time, especially if the conditions are dry and warm. Read more...
