Squirrel Pox
Squirrel
poxvirus, or
squirrel fibroma
is a viral
disease which
produces
multiple tumors
on the skin of
gray and fox
squirrels. It
belongs to the
pox group of
viruses which
produce rabbit
fibromatosis,
rabbit
myxomatosis,
hare
fibromatosis and
some deer
fibromas.
Transmission:
Bites from
insects such as
mosquitoes,
flies, ticks,
lice and mites
Incubation:
7-14 days
Symptoms:
-
Lesions
often appear
on the skin.
There may be
a few
lesions or
they may
cover the
body.
-
The lesions
may be
circular,
red or
abscessed.
-
Lesions may
also be
present
inside the
animal as
well.
-
In severe
cases,
symptoms may
include
vomiting,
diarrhea,
pneumonia or
discharge
from the
eyes and
nose.
Animals should
be kept separate
from others to
prevent
transmission.
Possible
Treatment:
Provide
supportive care
because there is
no cure. The
animal may
require wound
care,
antibiotics for
the treatment of
secondary
bacterial skin
infections and
rehydration
fluids for
dehydration.
Special
Considerations:
This disease is
not considered
zoonotic, but
gloves should be
worn when
handling any
animal with pox
lesions.
Clean the area
that the animal
is housed in
with a viruscide.
A bleach
solution 1:30 is
an effective
disinfecting
agent.
Visit The
Squirrel Board
for more
interactive
information.
