Two suspected cases of squirrelpox have been discovered in the Stewartry.
One incident has been reported near Kirkcudbright, with another in Dalbeattie town wood.
Rob Asbridge from Kirkcudbright Red Squirrel Group said: “There’s only been one confirmed case here so far – there was possibly one in Barrhill Wood but it was an injury. We don’t want to get any more.
“There are more and more grey squirrels in the area and it’s getting harder and harder to get on top of them, there’s just so many coming.”
Squirrelpox is fatal to red squirrels but doesn’t affect non-native greys, which carry the disease.
Mr Asbridge added: “Our advice is to stop feeding and to sterilise as much as possible. Keep surfaces clean.
“There’s a product called Virkon, which is a disinfectant and is available on eBay.
“It’s the best thing for cleaning – or failing that bleach – but it’s quite cheap.”
A post on the Solway Forests Red Squirrel Network Facebook page confirmed there had also been a case in Dalbeattie, which was discovered on Monday morning.
It stated: “Unfortunately we have had a report of a sick red squirrel in Dalbeattie town wood which we have had confirmed as suspected squirrel pox by the veterinary service in Edinburgh.
“The virus can only be absolutely confirmed by testing but we would advise anyone who has red squirrels visiting their feeders and who lives in the vicinity of Dalbeattie town wood to suspend their feeding as a precautionary measure.”
Anyone who sees any other cases of squirrelpox in the Dalbeattie area should email solwayforestsrsn@gmail.com
