‘No alternative’ to squirrel cull

August 27, 2008

A rapid response service is being set up to help trap and kill grey squirrels across southern Scotland.

It is part of the Red Squirrels in South Scotland (RSSS) project to try to control grey squirrel numbers and stop the spread of the squirrel pox virus.

Landowners and wildlife and forestry agencies will work to create a "buffer zone" against the disease.

Environment Minister Mike Russell said the humane destruction of grey squirrels was "absolutely necessary".

The scheme will cover Dumfries and Galloway, the Borders, East and South Ayrshire and South Lanarkshire.

Mr Russell launched the project at Drumlanrig Castle on the Queensberry Estate near Dumfries, where three cases of squirrel pox were confirmed earlier this year.

The disease can be carried by grey squirrels without harming them but is deadly for their red counterparts.

The scheme will try to protect red squirrels from their grey cousins.

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Posted in Nature, Science and Technology