AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE HEALTH AND WELFARE OF RED SQUIRRELS, SCIURUS-VULGARIS, INVOLVED IN REINTRODUCTION STUDIES

The threats posed by parapoxvirus infection, metabolic bone disease an d coccidiosis to the reintroduction of red squirrels into Thetford Cha se were investigated by making blood biochemical, radiological and par asitological examinations on the squirrels before they were released a nd on resident squirrels. Red squirrels found dead in Thetford Chase w ere examined post mortem by parasitological, electron microscopical an d radiological techniques. Parapoxvirus infection was the probable cau se of death of two red squirrels. Parapoxvirus infection may be a sign ificant threat to remnant populations of red squirrels in England, and to the success of conservation measures.