Grey squirrels spread tree disease

Concern is growing that the spread of Phytophthora ramorum, which causes extensive damage and mortality to trees in the United Kingdom, is closely linked to grey squirrels.

Anecdotal evidence now suggests that trees damaged by grey squirrels are particularly prone to infection and grey squirrels themselves are carrying disease spores from tree to tree.

Phytophthora ramorum, a fungus-link pathogen of plants, is killing large numbers of Japanese Larch in the UK. Prior to 2009 few trees were affected, however since 2010 the disease was initially found on Japanese Larches, particularly in South West England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Now infected trees have been confirmed in the North West of England, the Derbyshire Peak District and in Scotland.

“Reports from foresters indicates that grey squirrel damage in Larch can be particularly bad and is giving good access to phytophthora spores,” said George Farr, Chairman of the European Squirrel Initiative.

“Phytophthora enters the trees via a wound, and as a fungal disease, can be carried by grey squirrels as they move from tree to tree. It is vital that, as part of good forestry practice, grey squirrels are controlled to prevent the spread of this economically damaging disease. This is also a wake-up call for the Forestry Commission to ensure that they exercise proper grey squirrel control on their estates,” he added.

Grey squirrels are already estimated to cost the economy in excess of £14 million per annum. A report from the international research organisation, CABI, commissioned by the Scottish government, Defra and the Welsh Assembly Government established this figure and warned that they real costs could be significantly higher.

“These reports reinforce the importance of the removal of grey squirrels and the devastating impact they are having on our woodlands and eco system,” added Mr Farr.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Issued on behalf of the European Squirrel Initiative byKendalls.

For more information, please contactAndrew Kendall, telephone 01394 610022. 

The European Squirrel Initiative was founded in June 2002 by a group of concerned conservationists and foresters. The organisation seeks the restoration of the native Red Squirrel and the protection of the natural environment by removing the impact of the alien Grey Squirrel inEurope.

Its role is to:

Persuade conservation bodies and governments of the absolute necessity of ridding Europe of the Grey Squirrel. Continue to commission research into the impact of the Grey Squirrel on local ecosystems.

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