Sefton Council has joined its partners in drawing attention to the spread of squirrel pox and highlighting how to protect Sefton's red squirrel population. 

A squirrel pox outbreak has been confirmed by the Wildlife Trust after sightings of sick red squirrels in Formby.

Endangered species

With fewer than 300,000 red squirrels left in England and Sefton being one of the few holdout red squirrel strongholds, collective efforts are needed to conserve the species. 

Sefton residents can help slow the spread of squirrel pox by putting away their feeders. While typically a much-welcomed source of food for local red squirrels, communal feeding spots can become breeding grounds for disease during a squirrel pox outbreak.   

Residents, especially those around the Formby area or who regularly see red squirrels, re being encouraged instead to scatter fresh fruit. The Wildlife Trust recommends apple or melon, which have high levels of water.   

Any outdoor equipment that squirrels use should be cleaned with a wildlife-safe disinfectant. 

Report sightings

Additionally, residents can report a red squirrel sighting to the Wildlife Trust. Reports of sick squirrels can be reported directly to their Red Squirrel team on 07590 745 862. 

Anyone handling a sick red squirrel should wear thick gloves and use a secure, ventilated carrier when taking them for veterinary care. 

Filling in the Wildlife Trust's sighting form also helps keep recording up to date.

Conservation support

Sefton Council is one of numerous organisations involved in the Sefton Coast Red Squirrel Steering Group, a multi-partner agency committed to observing and protecting red squirrels in the region. 

The Council is a passionate supporter of red squirrel conservation. While the red squirrel population is spread across land under various ownership, including private property, the Green Sefton service uses Wildlife Trust guidance to inform its landscape management in any Council-managed areas where red squirrels are spotted. 

Staff work year-round to encourage a habitat that helps unique and protected species, including red squirrels, natterjack toads and sand lizards, to thrive. 

The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside said in a statement: "Squirrel pox poses a significant threat to red squirrel populations, and coordinated action is crucial to protecting the most southerly red squirrel stronghold on mainland England. 

"We value Sefton Council's ongoing support with bi-annual red squirrel monitoring and their participation in the Sefton Coast Red Squirrel Steering Group, helping to improve our understanding of local red squirrel populations and emerging threats. 

"By working collectively across the stronghold and following guidance, we can help reduce the spread of this fatal virus and safeguard red squirrels for future generations." 

Councillor Joanne Williams, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "Red squirrels are a vital piece of the Sefton landscape and we owe it to them, and the whole country, to do everything we can to protect them. 

"For residents, that means two things; removing feeders and reporting sightings, especially if it involves a red squirrel suffering from squirrel pox. 

"Sefton Council proudly supports red squirrel conservation efforts and backs research into how we can collectively protect and conserve this wonderful and threatened species. I encourage everyone to follow the Wildlife Trust's expert guidance, just as we do." 

You can read more information from the Wildlife Trust by visiting www.lancswt.org.uk/news/squirrel-pox-outbreak-confirmed-on-sefton-coast.