What Causes Squirrel Pox?
If you are wondering what causes squirrel pox, you are not alone. It’s important to know the causes of this disease, routes of transmission, and symptoms so you can protect your family from this potentially harmful virus. Here are some facts to help you answer this question:
Virus
In November 2007, researchers from the University of Liverpool conducted blood tests on Red squirrels affected by an outbreak of’squirrel pox’. These tests revealed antibodies against the ‘virus responsible’ for squirrelpox. This new research confirms that SQPV is transmitted by close contact among animals. The outbreak is thought to be an epizootic virus and is currently spreading throughout the world. It is unclear which species of squirrels is most susceptible to the infection.
The disease is caused by a virus called lepripoxvirus, which is closely related to rabbit and human fibroma viruses. It is transmitted through the bite of a flea or mosquito or contact with contaminated objects. Feeders may also be a source of infection, particularly for young squirrels. While squirrel fibromas do not cause overt signs, they may be fatal to humans. It may also infect woodchucks and rabbits in the wild.
Routes of transmission
The main route of transmission of squirrel pox is through contact with contaminated lesions and crusts. Because poxviruses are highly resistant to drying, these crusts and lesions remain infectious for long periods. Infection with the virus may also be transmitted through contaminated feeding devices. Therefore, it is important to disinfect feeders and traps used by both red and grey squirrels. This may also protect humans from acquiring the disease if the infected animals are not vaccinated.
Although SQPV is indigenous to grey squirrels, it was detected in the Scottish Borders in 2005, and the geographic expansion of seropositive grey animals northward indicates that it may have been spread from northern Cumbria. Researchers from the Moredun Research Institute plotted the results of blood-sample tests of grey squirrels in Scotland and identified the geographical extent of seropositivity. They conclude that the first detections of seropositive grey squirrels in Scotland were made in northern Cumbria.
Symptoms
Red squirrels are known to be highly susceptible to the squirrelpox virus, which can be spread between species. However, if you see a sick red squirrel, you should contact the NI Squirl Forum or the Northern Ireland Environment Agency wildlife team for further information. Symptoms of the illness include lethargy, skin ulcers, swelling around the eyes, mouth, feet, genitalia, and paws. If you see a sick red squirrel, quarantine him to prevent the disease from spreading among other species.
After determining the type of squirrel disease, you must treat it accordingly. You must also deworm the animal and make sure its cage is clean. A cluttered cage does not allow the disinfectant to do its job and some disinfectants need to stay on a surface for a certain period of time before they kill germs. Be sure to read the label on the disinfectants you use to avoid accidental exposure to the disease.
Immune response to virus
Squirrels are susceptible to viral infection from the parapoxvirus, which causes orf and myxomatosis in sheep and rabbits. Although this virus is usually called parapoxvirus, genomic studies suggest that it does not belong to the parapoxvirinae family. Therefore, vaccination against it may be ineffective. The vaccine candidate should target particular at-risk populations. This may increase its efficacy and reduce its transmission risk.
An outbreak of SQPV was first confirmed in Scotland in May 2007. There are few documented cases of human infection in this region, but the rates of infection appear to be low. The first confirmed case of the disease in Ireland came from two Red squirrels discovered dead in Tollymore Forest Park, County Down in March 2011. Until recently, the virus was thought to be absent in Europe, but an outbreak of a novel variant in north-east Spain in 2010 led to the identification of a new type of SQPV. Elena Obon and colleagues described lesions that appeared suspiciously poxvirus-infected red squirrels.
The researchers found that the presence of antibodies in the bloodstream of the infected squirrels can only be a sign of resistance and disease, rather than an indicator of carrier status. Because the two species exploit different niches in the squirrel’s gut, a strong competitive relationship between them is unlikely. As long as a squirrel has antibodies against the disease, it can be successfully treated. Fortunately, leprosy is very rare in the UK/Ireland.
What is the name of the virus that causes squirrel pox?
The squirrel pox virus is called Poxvirus ephemerovirus.
How does the squirrel pox virus spread?
The virus is spread through direct contact with infected squirrels or indirect contact with contaminated surfaces.
What are the symptoms of squirrel pox?
Symptoms of the disease include lesions on the skin hair loss and death.
How long does it take for symptoms of squirrel pox to appear?
Symptoms typically appear within 2-3 weeks after exposure to the virus.
Is there a cure for squirrel pox?
There is no cure for the disease and it is fatal in most cases.
How long does the squirrel pox virus remain infectious?
The virus can remain infectious on surfaces for up to 2 weeks.
Can humans get squirrel pox?
There is no evidence that the virus can infect humans.
What animals are susceptible to squirrel pox?
Squirrels chipmunks and groundhogs are susceptible to the disease.
What is the mortality rate for squirrels with squirrel pox?
The mortality rate for squirrels with the disease is approximately 80%.
How can I prevent myself from getting squirrel pox?
There is no vaccine or prevention method available for the disease.
The best way to prevent infection is to avoid contact with squirrels and their droppings.
How can I prevent my pet from getting squirrel pox?
There is no vaccine or prevention method available for the disease.
The best way to prevent infection is to avoid contact with squirrels and their droppings.
What should I do if I find a sick or dead squirrel?
Do not handle the animal and contact your local wildlife authorities.
Is there any way to treat squirrel pox?
There is no cure or treatment available for the disease.
How long does squirrel pox last?
The disease is usually fatal and death typically occurs within 2-3 weeks of infection.
What can I do to help prevent the spread of squirrel pox?
There is no vaccine or prevention method available for the disease.
The best way to prevent infection is to avoid contact with squirrels and their droppings.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
