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.

We conduct post-mortem examinations on red squirrel carcasses, which can be submitted to us from across Scotland (for example, by members of the public, veterinary practices or park rangers). The project is run by Easter Bush Pathology with support from our Conservation Science group.

The surveillance project has run since the 2000's and has led to many associated research projects and publications about diseases and pathogens of squirrels, in particular squirrelpox virus, squirrel adenovirus-1, leprosy and atypical histiocytosis. It has also facilitated studies of squirrel genomics and morphology. 

Submission of red squirrel carcasses to the Dick Vet

For information and instructions on carcass submission, please contact Easter Bush Pathology or Dr. Liam Wilson.

Easter Bush Pathology

Contact details

Please do not submit a red squirrel carcass without contacting us first. 

Until the body is submitted or collected, please place it in a bag, as per our instructions below, and place this somewhere safe (where it cannot be carried off by animals or exposed to flies) and cool. Although the likelihood of disease transmission from red squirrels to humans is extremely low, it is important to follow normal hygiene precautions: use disposable gloves or put your hand in a polythene bag to avoid handling the animal directly, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterwards, and disinfect any contaminated surfaces. 

For further instructions, please see the below guidelines.

Please also reporting finding a dead squirrel to Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels

We work closely with Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels (a project of the Scottish Wildlife Trust) and ask that, if you find a dead red squirrel, please also:

  1. Notify your Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels Regional Lead, or email the organisation so that follow-up action to protect local red squirrels can be taken if necessary
  2. Report the finding via the 'sightings' function on Saving Scotland's Red Squirrel's website so that the details are logged.

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