Bird tables 'spreading virus deadly to squirrels'

Researchers have revealed seasonal peaks in the transmission of the pox virus – a disease which is largely responsible for the dramatic decline in the UK's red squirrel population.

These "high-risk" peaks were found to correlate to times of the year when both species of squirrel roamed further – either because of a shortage of food or while searching for a mate – increasing the chance for disease transmission.

The research highlights the risk of creating "hot spots" which attract both red and grey squirrels to the same place, such as bird tables and other feeding stations.

Dr Peter Lurz, from Newcastle University, said: "In areas where grey squirrels test positive for the antibody to the virus, the rate of decline of red squirrels has been up to 25 times higher than elsewhere.

"It's a terrible disease with a very high death rate among reds but how it is transmitted from grey to red squirrels is still not clear.

"What this clearly shows is that creating points where the two species of squirrel are likely to meet is actually putting our reds at greater risk of infection."

The North American grey squirrel was introduced to the UK in the 19th century and has spread across the country while native red squirrel numbers have plummeted.

Red squirrels not only have to compete for resources with the bigger invader but are also affected by the virus has no apparent effect on grey squirrels but is invariably fatal to reds.

Dr Lurz has warned: "Encouraging them to your garden and feeding squirrels in areas where both red and grey squirrels occur – while it may be done with the best of intentions – could actually do far more harm than good."