rspp.myfastforum.org

steve · Joined: 10 Feb 2009 Posts: 2

Hi all

Just been on the RSPP website and found the forum from it. Glad to see there seems to be a quite active community working together!

Anyhow, here's my question...and a bit of background

Was in Edinburgh for my work and had some time to spare before a meeting, so I took a wander up Princes St. There was one of those pro-animal groups doing some campaigning and seeing I had time to spare, I thought I'd wind them up a bit.

Anyhow, the subject of reds vs. greys came up (not that I ever talk about that!) and the girl who I was talking to was quite into the subject it seems. With a huge bias though, I might add.

Anyhow, she started going on about how the greys weren't doing any harm, and of course I pointed out that they spread pox to reds. She laughed and asked what evidence I had of that, and I said that it's well known. She basically just said there's no evidence and pox can be transferred lots of other ways. I was kinda stuck because I didn't really have anything to say to that.

So what I'd like to know, for future reference, is what I should say to that question? Everyone with a bit of common sense knows that greys are spreading it, but is there any scientific studies which have been done that confirm this? It would have been so lovely to wipe the smug smile off her face by quoting some study or something!

Any information is welcome!

wightenglish · Joined: 07 Feb 2009 Posts: 3

Hope this helps - heres to more red squirrels and less smug grins! Smile

wightenglish · Joined: 07 Feb 2009 Posts: 3

found another one but you have to pay for this one - but looks promising Smile

steve · Joined: 10 Feb 2009 Posts: 2

Wightenglish,

The JNCC one is pretty weak looking becaue it actually states pretty much what she was saying - no evidence that greys are actually passing it on. That said, I see it's 2004, so I'm guessing there's research been done along the lines of the "What is being done?" section?

The other site looks promising being the veterinary record site, but that link only goes to an error page. Do you have a name for the actual article? I did a search but quite a few articles come up regarding squirrels, so don't want to start buying them all! I don't mind buying one that's of interest though if I know the precise article.

Thanks for your help