Key Points
- An outbreak of squirrelpox has been confirmed in Formby, Merseyside, one of the UK’s major red squirrel areas.
- Lancashire Wildlife Trust says the coming weeks could be “critical” for the local red squirrel population.
- During the last major outbreak in 2008, Formby’s red squirrel population fell by an estimated 80%.
- Grey squirrels can carry squirrelpox without symptoms, allowing the virus to spread unnoticed.
- Red squirrels can develop shivering and painful lesions, making it difficult for them to eat and move.
- Most infected red squirrels die within two weeks.
- The trust says communal feeding stations can act as “super spreaders”.
- Residents are being asked to remove feeders, clean bird baths and outdoor equipment daily, and report sightings of red or grey squirrels.
Formby (Liverpool standard) – An outbreak of squirrelpox in uk/local/formby/">Formby has triggered an urgent warning from Lancashire Wildlife Trust, which says the next few weeks may decide how badly red squirrels are affected. The charity is treating the situation as serious because Formby remains one of the most important strongholds for red squirrels in the UK, and previous outbreaks have already shown how quickly the disease can devastate the population.
The trust’s warning centres on the speed at which squirrelpox can move through an area once it is present. Grey squirrels can carry the virus without showing symptoms, which means the disease can spread before people even realise it is there. For red squirrels, however, the infection can become fatal quickly and often leaves them too weak to feed or move properly.
What did Lancashire Wildlife Trust say?
Molly Frost, red squirrel project officer at Lancashire Wildlife Trust, said feeding stations may seem helpful but can become dangerous when a virus is circulating. Her warning reflects the trust’s view that ordinary garden wildlife support can unintentionally increase the risk to red squirrels if animals gather in the same place.
She said:
“Using feeders may seem like a kind way to support nature, but they are dangerous when a virus is present.”
Frost also stressed the conservation stakes, saying the organisation wants red squirrels to survive for future generations and that staff and volunteers are doing everything they can to prevent local extinction. She added that the trust needs help from the community to reduce the spread and protect the animals already living in the area.
Why are feeders a problem?
The trust says communal feeding stations are a major risk because they bring multiple squirrels into close contact. That creates an easy route for a virus to move from one animal to another, especially when infected grey squirrels can spread it without obvious signs.
Rather than using feeders, the trust is advising people who want to help wildlife to scatter small amounts of fresh fruit with a high water content, such as apple or melon. It says this approach is less likely to create crowded feeding points where disease can spread rapidly.
Bird baths and outdoor equipment that squirrels may reach should also be cleaned every day with a wildlife-safe disinfectant. The trust says simple hygiene steps can make a difference when a disease outbreak is active nearby.
Why is Formby under pressure?
Formby has long been a key area for red squirrel conservation, which is why this outbreak has drawn attention. In 2008, the last major squirrelpox outbreak in the area caused an estimated 80% fall in the local red squirrel population, leaving a lasting warning about how destructive the virus can be.
The current outbreak is especially concerning because squirrelpox often goes unnoticed at first in grey squirrels. By the time red squirrels begin showing signs, the virus may already have spread more widely. That makes early community action important, according to conservationists.
The trust’s message is that even small changes in how people feed wildlife or clean outdoor spaces could help reduce the damage. The focus is on slowing transmission before the outbreak has a chance to build momentum.
What should people do now?
Lancashire Wildlife Trust is asking the public to remove feeders, stop using communal feeding stations, and avoid creating points where squirrels gather closely together. It is also encouraging people to switch to the limited use of fresh fruit, rather than placing out food that attracts multiple animals at once.
People are also being asked to report sightings of healthy, sick or deceased red squirrels, as well as grey squirrels. The trust says every report helps it track the outbreak, identify areas of concern and respond faster where action is needed.
That reporting effort matters because it allows conservation teams to build a clearer picture of where the virus may already be active. The trust is relying on local participation as part of its response, especially while the outbreak is still in a critical phase.
Background of the development
Squirrelpox has been a persistent threat to red squirrel conservation in the UK for many years. The disease is carried by invasive non-native grey squirrels, which can act as a reservoir without showing symptoms, while red squirrels are far more vulnerable to the infection.
Formby is particularly important because it is one of the major areas where red squirrels still survive. The 2008 outbreak, which led to a sharp population decline, remains a central example of how serious the disease can become when it spreads unchecked.
The current warning from Lancashire Wildlife Trust shows that conservation groups continue to see squirrelpox as a direct threat to the long-term survival of red squirrels in the area. That is why the trust is focusing on immediate public action, monitoring, and reducing opportunities for transmission.
Prediction
For local residents and visitors, this outbreak is likely to mean stricter caution around feeding wildlife and more attention to what is happening in gardens and green spaces. If people follow the advice, the spread may be slowed and the remaining red squirrels may have a better chance of surviving the outbreak.
For conservation workers and volunteers, the next few weeks will probably involve more monitoring, more public reporting, and more pressure to keep the virus from spreading further. For the wider audience interested in UK wildlife, the situation is another reminder that simple human behaviour, such as using feeders, can have a direct impact on vulnerable species.
