Tree Squirrel Diseases

Tree squirrels are rodents that belong to the "Sciuridae" family of animals. These animals are common throughout North America and Europe, and are naturally found in forest environments. Tree squirrels can have variations in appearance and may be brown, black or multi-colored. Like all rodents, squirrels are susceptible to several different diseases and infections.

  1. Squirrel Rabies

    • The rabies disease can be carried by wild squirrels in rare cases. Rabies causes the brain to become inflamed and can lead to the death of an animal if not treated soon enough. Through the rabies disease can theoretically be transmitted from infected squirrels to humans, this risk is extremely low.

      Squirrels that have become infected with the rabies virus will exhibit abnormal behavioral symptoms, such as aggressiveness or immobility. Any animal, including squirrels, that behaves strangely should be avoided and suspected of carrying rabies.

    Squirrel Fibroma

    • Squirrel fibroma, or squirrel pox, is a disease that causes large tumors on the skin of several types of squirrel. This disease is caused by a virus and can spread between animals quickly. Commonly, squirrel fibroma is carried by mosquitoes and transmitted through insect bites.

      Squirrel fibroma has been reported in the Southern U.S., as well as in Eastern Canada. While this disease can spread between animals, it is not considered a threat to humans. However, contact with infected squirrels should be kept to a minimum.

    Rodent Plague

    • Rodent plague is a disease that is found in many small animals, including the squirrel. The disease is caused by an infection of the yersinia pestis bacteria, and is transmitted by insects such as fleas and ticks.

      While exposure is rare in the U.S., rodent plague may be transmitted to humans and can cause severe reactions, including swollen lymph nodes and high fever. This bacterial infection can worsen and become life threatening. If administered soon enough, antibiotics can be used to treat an infected person.

    Bone Disease

    • Metabolic bone disease is caused when squirrels do not have access to a correct natural diet. This bone disease can be triggered when a squirrel is kept in captivity and away from its natural environment. Without the correct amount of vitamin D, the squirrel begins to have joint and bone inflammation. Because this prevents the animal from moving, metabolic bone disease can put the squirrel at risk.

      To prevent metabolic bone disease, squirrels in captivity are closely monitored and given access to outdoor areas where sunlight and natural nutrition are available. Vitamins can be added to the diet of a squirrel to reverse the effects of the disease.