Authorities in Scotland have confirmed a case of squirrelpox virus affecting red squirrels in Clackmannanshire. The confirmation followed a post-mortem examination of an adult male red squirrel found in Dollar, which tested positive for the virus.

Squirrelpox is carried by grey squirrels, which typically do not show symptoms but can transmit the virus to red squirrels. For red squirrels, the infection is often fatal, posing a significant threat to their population.

In addition to the confirmed case in Clackmannanshire, conservation groups report that a red squirrel exhibiting possible signs of squirrelpox has been observed in Devilla Forest, Fife. In response to the situation, authorities have advised residents in affected areas to remove any wildlife feeders from their gardens for a minimum of two weeks to help reduce the risk of further virus transmission.