Researchers to investigate how
disease is passed between red squirrels, whose numbers have declined
drastically
Monday 9 May 201606.01 BST
Wildlife experts
have launched a research project on an island off the south coast of England to
better understand how British red squirrels are affected by a form of leprosy.
The study on Brownsea Island will
investigate how the disease is passed between red squirrels, whose numbers have
declined drastically, and how conservationists can help control its spread.
Leprosy was first identified in
red squirrels in Scotland in 2014, caused by the bacterium mycobacterium
lepromatosis, although the disease is believed to have been present in the
squirrel population for centuries.
Postmortem examinations have
since revealed that the disease is also affecting the squirrels on Brownsea in
Poole Harbour and the Isle of Wight.
Brownsea will be open as usual
during the project and those leading the study say there is “negligible risk”
to the public from the disease, but they advise visitors not to touch any wild
animals and birds and exercise good hygiene practices such as hand washing.
The disease is believed to have
been present on Brownsea, which is home to about 200 squirrels, for many years
but researchers have only recently diagnosed it as leprosy.
Little is known about how the
bacteria is spreading among red squirrels. The disease causes swelling and hair
loss to the ears, muzzle and feet.
Researchers from the University
of Edinburgh are working with the National Trust and Dorset
Wildlife Trust on the project.
Vets will use humane traps to
capture the squirrels and will take blood samples and other clinical samples
for analysis before returning the animals to the wild.
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