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Isn’t the greatest threat to red squirrels not from the grey squirrels themselves but from the virus they carry which is fatal to red squirrels?

April 26, 2017carry FATAL Grey isn’t red squirrels Threat virus

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Isn’t the greatest threat to red squirrels not from the grey squirrels themselves but from the virus they carry which is fatal to red squirrels?

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A12.The virus is undoubtedly a factor in red squirrel decline, but it is not the only one. The major factor in decline seems to be invasion by grey squirrels, whether or not they are spreading squirrelpox. Consequently our absolute priority is to research feasible methods of grey squirrel control. Nevertheless we do recognise the value of researching the biology and transmission of squirrelpox. We have recently led a scientific conference on the topic and are working with other members of the UK Red Squirrel Group to develop realistic research proposals.