The worsening case of leprosy bacteria that cause hair loss and swelling of the muzzle, feet and ears among the endangered red squirrels in the United Kingdom has prompted wildlife experts to start a new study on the condition.
The goal is to understand how the disease affects the red squirrel species. In particular, they want to distinguish how the bacteria is passed between the animals and how to control it from spreading.
In 2014, leprosy among the red squirrels was first documented in Scotland, however, the disease was believed to be circulating among the species population for hundreds of years.
Several autopsies discovered that the leprosy is also present in some areas in England, particularly on the Brownsea Island and on the Isle of Wight where red squirrel populations are still living.
The new study, which will be conducted by University of Edinburgh researchers, will focus on 200 red squirrels living on the Brownsea Island. Leprosy among the red squirrel populations here was only recently identified, however, it is believed that it had been around for years already.
The researchers will coordinate with the Dorset Wildlife Trust and the National Trust for the new study. The research team will use humane traps so they can capture specimens for health checks.
Focusing on the island's red squirrel population will enable the team to study the mammals in a contained area. Blood and other clinical samples will be taken prior to the animals' return to the wild.
"With this research we aim to help conservationists better understand the disease in this iconic species," said lead researcher Professor Anna Meredith from the University of Edinburgh.
The leprosy strain among the red squirrel populations does not pose risks to human health. The Brownsea Island will still be accessible while the study is being conducted.
According to the Forestry Commission England, there are about 140,000 red squirrels remaining in Britain. In comparison, there are more than 2.5 million American gray squirrels.
Red squirrels reproduce in the spring and, given the right conditions, in the summer for the second time. Female red squirrels often give birth to two to three kittens between 45 and 48 days after mating. Unfortunately, only between 20 to 50 percent of the young kittens make it to adulthood.
