Squirrel health and genomics

At the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies we conduct research into squirrel health and genomics and conduct post-mortem examinations on red squirrels for the purpose of disease surveillance.

Members of our Conservation Science Division and Easter Bush Pathology, and colleagues in the Roslin Institute, conduct a range of research into red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) health and genomics and run a long-standing project conducting post-mortem examinations of red squirrels from across Scotland. We also contribute to conservation action planning for red squirrels in Scotland. We have extensive collaborations with other organisations and individuals involved in squirrel research and are a signatory to the UK Squirrel Accord.

UK Squirrel Accord

Red squirrel post-mortem disease surveillance

At the Dick Vet, we conduct post-mortem examinations on red squirrels from across Scotland for the purpose of disease surveillance and to better understand disease threats to this iconic species.

Red squirrel conservation genetics

We are undertaking whole-genome sequencing of UK red squirrels with the aim of understanding population structure, landscape-wide distribution of genetic diversity and disease susceptibility in order to inform their long-term conservation.

Squirrel leprosy

Cases of Scottish red squirrels with leprotic skin changes were first received at the Dick Vet between 2006 and 2013. Mycobacterium lepromatosis, one of the two leprosy-causing Mycobacteria, was identified in these animals. Further research by our group showed that leprosy occurs in Eurasian red squirrels throughout the British Isles and that the second bacterium causing leprosy, Mycobacterium leprae, can be found in squirrels as well. Both bacteria can cause clinical disease in squirrels or be carried without obvious signs of disease and are related to bacterial strains that historically caused disease in humans. 

Anna-Katarina Schilling completed a PhD on squirrel leprosy with our group in 2019, in collaboration with many partner organisations: her research investigated the disease process, its different stages in individual animals and its impact on squirrel populations. Although leprosy continues to affect humans in some countries it has not been diagnosed in humans in the UK for many centuries. We continue to research this intriguing disease.

A summary of the information available about squirrel leprosy can be downloaded below. The aim of this document is to provide brief, accessible information to those working with red squirrels in conservation and wildlife rescue settings. The information is available in English, German and French (translation kindly provided by Dr. Charlotte Avanzi).

 

For further information about squirrel leprosy, please contact Dr. Katie Beckmann.

Contact Dr. Katie Beckmann

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