Formby Red Squirrels at Risk as Squirrelpox Outbreak Confirmed 2026

Key Points

• Squirrelpox has been confirmed in Formby, Merseyside, a major UK red squirrel habitat.
• Lancashire Wildlife Trust warns the coming weeks are “critical” and urges immediate public action.
• The 2008 outbreak saw Formby’s red squirrel numbers fall by an estimated 80%.
• Grey squirrels carry the virus without symptoms; reds develop painful lesions and often die within two weeks.
• Communal feeders are identified as “super spreaders”; the trust advises scattering fresh fruit and daily disinfection of bird baths.
• The public is asked to report sightings of healthy, sick or dead red and grey squirrels to help track the outbreak.

Formby (Liverpool standard) July 20, 2026 — An outbreak of squirrelpox has been confirmed in one of the UK’s most important red squirrel strongholds at Formby on the Merseyside coast. The Lancashire Wildlife Trust has issued an urgent appeal for immediate action, warning that the coming weeks could be “critical” for the survival of the local red squirrel population.

Why is squirrelpox so dangerous for red squirrels in the UK?

Squirrelpox is a viral disease carried asymptomatically by invasive, non-native grey squirrels. In red squirrels, the virus causes severe illness characterised by shivering and painful lesions around the eyes, nose, mouth and feet. These lesions make it difficult for affected animals to eat and move, and most succumb to the disease within two weeks of infection.

Because grey squirrels show no symptoms, the virus can spread unnoticed through shared environments before reaching vulnerable reds. The disease has previously caused catastrophic declines in red squirrel numbers; during the last major outbreak in Formby in 2008, the local red squirrel population fell by an estimated 80%.

How are communal feeders linked to the spread of squirrelpox in Formby?

The Lancashire Wildlife Trust has identified communal feeding stations as “super spreaders” of squirrelpox. While feeding wildlife is often intended as a supportive act, the trust says that shared feeders create high-contact points where the virus can be transmitted between squirrels.

Molly Frost, red squirrel project officer at Lancashire Wildlife Trust, said:

“Using feeders may seem like a kind way to support nature, but they are dangerous when a virus is present. We want red squirrels to be around for generations to come, and our staff and volunteers are doing all we can to protect them from local extinction. We need the support of our community to help us.”

What actions has the Lancashire Wildlife Trust asked the public to take?

In response to the outbreak, the trust has issued clear guidance for members of the public who wish to support wildlife safely. Instead of using communal feeders, people are encouraged to scatter small amounts of fresh fruit with a high water content, such as apple or melon, which can be consumed quickly and reduces the risk of cross-contamination.

The trust also advises that bird baths and any outdoor equipment that squirrels may access should be cleaned daily using a wildlife-safe disinfectant. This routine helps to reduce the environmental load of the virus and limits opportunities for transmission.

In addition, the trust is asking people to report all sightings of healthy, sick or deceased red squirrels, as well as grey squirrels. Each report helps conservation teams track the outbreak, identify areas of concern, and respond quickly to new cases.

What are the symptoms of squirrelpox in red squirrels?

Red squirrels infected with squirrelpox typically develop shivering and painful lesions around the eyes, nose, mouth and feet. These symptoms impair the animal’s ability to feed and move, leading to rapid deterioration. Most infected red squirrels die within two weeks of showing symptoms.

How can people safely support squirrels during the outbreak?

The Lancashire Wildlife Trust recommends avoiding communal feeders and instead scattering small amounts of fresh fruit such as apple or melon, which has high water content and is less likely to facilitate virus transmission. Daily cleaning of bird baths and outdoor equipment with a wildlife-safe disinfectant is also advised.

People are further encouraged to report all sightings of red and grey squirrels whether healthy, sick or deadto assist in monitoring and responding to the outbreak.

What happened during the 2008 squirrelpox outbreak in Formby?

During the 2008 squirrelpox outbreak in Formby, the local red squirrel population fell by an estimated 80%. This historical precedent underscores the severity of the current situation and the urgent need for coordinated action to prevent a similar collapse.

What is the historical context of squirrelpox in UK red squirrel populations?

Squirrelpox has long been recognised as a major threat to red squirrels in the UK. The disease is carried by grey squirrels, which were introduced to Britain from North America in the late 19th century and have since spread widely. Grey squirrels act as reservoirs for the virus, showing no symptoms themselves but transmitting it to red squirrels through direct contact or contaminated environments.

Outbreaks have caused severe local declines in red squirrel numbers, with Formby’s 2008 episode being one of the most documented. Conservation efforts have since focused on habitat management, grey squirrel control, and public education to reduce transmission risks.

What could happen to the audience if this outbreak is not contained?

If the current squirrelpox outbreak in Formby is not swiftly contained, the local audience particularly residents, visitors and wildlife enthusiasts in Merseyside and surrounding areas could face several consequences. The most immediate is the potential loss of a culturally and ecologically significant species from a well-known coastal habitat, which would affect local biodiversity and the experience of those who enjoy observing red squirrels in the wild.

A repeat of the 2008 population collapse would also place additional pressure on conservation organisations and volunteers, who may need to scale up monitoring, disease response and public engagement efforts. For local communities, this could mean more frequent appeals for sightings, increased signage about feeding practices, and potential restrictions in certain woodland areas to protect remaining red squirrels.

Longer-term, the disappearance of red squirrels from Formby could diminish the area’s appeal for nature-based tourism and education, affecting local businesses and schools that rely on the presence of this iconic species. It could also weaken public morale around wildlife conservation, as repeated outbreaks may lead to perceptions that red squirrel recovery is unachievable without more drastic interventions.

Conversely, if the public responds effectively to the trust’s guidance—by avoiding communal feeders, maintaining hygiene around outdoor equipment, and reporting sightings—the outbreak may be tracked and managed more effectively, limiting its spread and giving red squirrels a better chance of recovery. The coming weeks, as the trust has emphasised, are likely to be decisive in determining the trajectory of the local population.

Background of the particular development

Squirrelpox is caused by a parapoxvirus that is harmless to grey squirrels but often fatal to reds. The virus spreads through direct contact between squirrels and via contaminated surfaces such as feeders, branches and nesting sites. Formby’s Pinewoods have long been a focal point for red squirrel conservation in the UK, making any outbreak there particularly significant for national efforts to protect the species.

The Lancashire Wildlife Trust has maintained a red squirrel project in the area for many years, combining habitat management, monitoring and community engagement. The current outbreak represents a renewed challenge to these efforts, echoing the severe losses seen in 2008 and highlighting the ongoing vulnerability of red squirrels to diseases carried by grey squirrels.

Prediction: how this development can affect the local audience

If the outbreak expands, the local audience in Merseyside may see heightened restrictions on feeding practices, increased signage in woodlands, and more frequent requests to report squirrel sightings. Conservation groups may intensify appeals for volunteers and funding, while local authorities could face pressure to implement additional grey squirrel control measures. For residents and visitors, the experience of encountering red squirrels in Formby could become less certain, potentially affecting community morale and the area’s reputation as a red squirrel stronghold.