Squirrel Pox Cases Transmitted by Mosquitoes Increase in Maine

In Maine, there has been an increase in cases of squirrel pox, which could also be transmitted by mosquitoes and fleas.

Some of the adorable furry backyard visitors that many of the locals enjoy seeing might soon display concerning signs as a result of squirrel pox.

Cases of squirrel pox, which manifests as oozing sores or scaly growths around the eyes, mouth, and paws of a squirrel, are increasing, according to state scientists.

The virus is spread to squirrels by mosquitoes, but it often resolves itself for squirrels, 13WGME reported.

Squirrel Pox

Squirrel pox, which is brought on by the Lepripox virus, is a deadly yet contagious illness that attacks red squirrels.

With the first case being verified in Norfolk in 1980, the squirrel pox virus (SQPV) is thought to have been present in the UK since at least 1900.

Since there are no records of anything similar to it before the advent of the grey squirrel, it is believed that their presence signaled the start of the disease.

As early as 1905, red squirrel deaths (perhaps caused by SQPV) were observed, but oddly, some of these incidents took place in areas without any known grey squirrel populations.

It is uncommon for a red squirrel to live once it gets the illness.

Lethargy and panting are symptoms that are comparable to those of myxomatosis in a rabbit.

Around the mouth, nose, eyes, ears, and genitalia, swollen sores or tumors emerge, and death usually occurs in 10 to 15 days, according to Discover Wildlife.

Transmitted by Mosquitoes

Indiana DNR said that a virus created swelling tumors in wildlife. In addition to mosquito and flea bites, physical contact between squirrels can also spread the virus.

The virus was spread from squirrel to squirrel in the lab by Aedes aegypti as well as Anopheles quadrimaculatus mosquitoes.

Areas where there was direct touch, or where the animal was bitten by insects, are where the tumors grow.

According to Michigan DNR, the advent of the virus has had an adverse effect on juvenile squirrels the most.

The tumors can be up to 25 millimeters in diameter and can appear anywhere on the body of the animal. Typically, neither the animal nor its propensity to live is impacted by the tumors.

Rarely, the tumors might spread to the animal's internal organs and harm its general health. In extreme circumstances, the tumors may make the animal sluggish and frail.

Squirrel Pox in the US

Northern Indiana as well as the Lower Peninsula of Michigan are only two of the Eastern and Midwestern states where squirrel pox can be found.

Squirrel pox has been identified in red, gray, and fox squirrels in Indiana.

There haven't been any cases of affected people, including through consumption of infected squirrel as long as the tumors don't spread to the internal organs.

Officials warned to avoid eating the animal and properly dispose of the corpse if internal malignancies are discovered.

Always use gloves and other personal protection equipment while around ill animals, according to Michigan DNR.