‘Complete extermination’ of greys is the only way to protect red squirrels

A grey squirrel control co-ordinator in the Scottish Borders has said that only the complete extermination of grey squirrels can protect native red squirrels from squirrelpox, a virus that is deadly to reds but merely carried by greys. Bill Ferguson of the Central Borders Red Squirrel Network made the comments after several cases of the disease were confirmed in the Borders and other parts of Scotland in recent weeks, arguing there is no vaccine or alternative measure that can save red squirrels while greys remain in the area.

Ferguson said trapping and killing grey squirrels, described as humane, was currently the only option, though a contraceptive for greys is being developed that could eventually let them "die off naturally". He also urged the public to remove and disinfect bird feeders used by both species for around three weeks, and called on estate owners to help control grey squirrel numbers. Grey squirrels were introduced to Britain from North America in the 19th century, and critics of culling note that squirrelpox is one of several similar diseases affecting reds, and that reds are more likely to catch it from each other than from greys.