JSPCA PRESS RELEASE

January 2008

RED SQUIRREL DISEASE MONITORING PROGRAMME

The JSPCA Animals’ Shelter in association with the States of Jersey Environment Division is embarking upon a study researching into the prevalence of disease in Jersey’s red squirrel population. The programme will ultimately improve the care, welfare and conservation of our red squirrel population.

The undertaking of this project addresses a number of proposed actions outlined in the States of Jersey Red Squirrel Biodiversity Action Plan, one of which includes monitoring Jersey’s red squirrel population for signs of disease.

We are asking Islanders to report all sightings of red squirrel casualties to the JSPCA reception. This is so bodies of squirrels can be collected and post mortem examinations can be performed. It is important to have bodies that have not been frozen.

The Ecology Trust has kindly awarded a grant to kick start the programme, but we are in great need of continuing funds, so we are seeking extra financial support. Anyone interested in contributing to this programme should contact the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter.

Everyone should take care when driving, especially on the country roads and green lanes to avoid killing squirrels. Many members of the public now provide food for squirrels, so if you are feeding them it is important to take care so they are not at risk from road traffic, cats and dogs.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1.         For further information, please contact Tiffany Blackett BVetMed MRCVS or Stephen Coleman, Chief Executive, at the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter, Tel: 724331.

2.         For further information on the States of Jersey Red Squirrel Biodiversity Action Plan please contact Nina Cornish, Ecologist, States of Jersey, Environment Division.

3.         The squirrel species are within the family Sciuridae.  The Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is the only squirrel that is native to Britain and their populations are considered vulnerable, as the distribution of Red Squirrels has been seen to decline drastically over the last 60 years.  Red Squirrels are currently listed as Lower Risk on the 2000 IUCN Red List.

More information about the JSPCA Red Squirrel Disease Monitoring Programme can be found on the dedicated JSPCA Animals' Shelter red squirrel disease project webpage.