Disfigured squirrels covered in oozing sores have been reported in the US and Canada, likely suffering from squirrel fibromatosis, a condition caused by the leporipoxvirus. Photographs show these gray squirrels with hairless growths oozing pus from various body parts. While some suspect squirrel pox, experts indicate that squirrel fibromatosis is more common. Wildlife officials warn that bird feeders may facilitate the disease's spread among squirrels, similar to how diseases spread among humans in crowded areas.
Squirrel fibromatosis may look terrifying, but it's a common skin disease among gray squirrels in the US. It's caused by the leporipoxvirus and is spread through direct contact between healthy squirrels and the lesions or saliva of infected squirrels.
Witnesses have photographed hairless growths oozing pus covering most of the animals' bodies, from their heads and eyes to their legs, feet, and genitals.
While some on social media have suspected that the animals are carrying squirrel pox, others have pointed out that the illness is more likely to be squirrel fibromatosis.
In either case, wildlife experts believe homeowners who put bird feeders in their yards may be unintentionally causing the virus to spread to more squirrels throughout North America.
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