![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/0_Squirrelpox.jpg\")
<\/p>\nConservation groups have confirmed the presence of the deadly squirrelpox virus among red squirrels in Clackmannanshire.<\/p>\n
20:43, 06 Jul 2026Updated 20:45, 06 Jul 2026<\/p>\n
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A red squirrel in Dollar which tested positive for squirrelpox(Image: Sarah MacDonald-Smart\/PA Wire)<\/p>\n
A case of deadly squirrelpox has been confirmed in red squirrels in Clackmannanshire.<\/p>\n
Conservation organisations confirmed the presence of the virus after a post-mortem examination of an adult male red squirrel<\/a> in Dollar tested positive.<\/p>\n This is only the second time the virus has been detected north of the Central Belt.<\/p>\n The squirrelpox virus is carried by grey squirrels and while it does not affect them, it can rapidly be lethal when passed to red squirrels<\/a>.<\/p>\n Conservation groups are also looking into a sick red with possible signs of squirrelpox seen in Devilla Forest, Fife<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Scottish Wildlife Trust partnership project Saving Scotland\u2019s Red Squirrels<\/a> (SSRS) is now asking people in the local area to take down any wildlife feeders in their gardens for at least two weeks to limit the spread of the virus.<\/p>\n The Eastern Lowlands Red Squirrel<\/a> Group (ELRSG) is also asking people to look out for and report sick and dead red squirrels.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is very upsetting to see red squirrels suffering and dying from squirrelpox in this area,\u201d Hollie Sutherland, project co-ordinator for the ELRSG, said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have a significant population of red squirrels in Clackmannanshire<\/a>, which people are supportive and protective of. The virus has likely come from grey squirrels spreading into the area from the west of Dollar, where they have travelled north from the grey-only areas of the central belt.\u201d<\/p>\n Red squirrels are Scotland\u2019s only native squirrel species.<\/p>\n According to SSRS, the population is under threat with only an estimated 220,000 remaining in Scotland.<\/p>\n The first known outbreak of the virus in Scotland was in 2007 near Lockerbie<\/a>, Dumfries and Galloway.<\/p>\n The only other positive case of squirrelpox in a red squirrel north of the central belt was detected in Dunfermline<\/a>, Fife, in April 2024.<\/p>\n Conservation organisations were first alerted to the current outbreak after a member of the public photographed a sick-looking red squirrel in Dollar Glen in June.<\/p>\n Ms Sutherland said the ELRSG is looking for volunteers to host live traps in their garden, so the group can continue monitoring the red and grey squirrel populations, and removing grey squirrels to reduce the prevalence of squirrelpox.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are extremely grateful to the National Trust for Scotland and other landowners that have already allowed access to our contractors and trained volunteers, and any further support from any other landowners in the area that wish to help would be appreciated,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cMonitoring and managing disease outbreaks can be extremely challenging, so support from local councils, organisations and landowners is invaluable.\u201d<\/p>\n People can report their sightings of both red and grey squirrels at scottishsquirrels.org.uk, along with emailing photos of sick reds to squirrels@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk.<\/p>\n Although squirrelpox is not considered harmful to humans, anyone who sees a sick red squirrel is advised not to approach it, and instead contact the project for advice.<\/p>\n Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!<\/p>\n Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.<\/p>\n You’ll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.<\/p>\n No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.<\/p>\n All you have to do is click here<\/a>, select ‘Join Community’ and you’re in!<\/p>\n We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don\u2019t like our community, you can check out any time you like.<\/p>\n To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘exit group’.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.<\/a><\/p>\n