Written question asked by Lord Blencathra (Conservative) on Wednesday, 18 July 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 July 2007. It was answered by Joan Ruddock (Labour) on Thursday, 26 July 2007 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Pest Control: Squirrels

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research is being undertaken by his Department on the control of grey squirrels.

Answer: Methods to control grey squirrels are well known and have been published as Best Practice Guidance by the Forestry Commission (FC). The methods advocated are usually effective in reducing populations if used at sufficient intensity, and where there is a high level of support for control by landowners and the public. This has been demonstrated by the successful 10 year project to control grey squirrels on Anglesey.Alternative non-lethal methods to control wild populations of animals are being investigated, such as the use of immuno-contraception vaccines. The FC and DEFRA are collaborating on the application of this method for grey squirrel control with partnership funding from DEFRA, FC and Scottish Natural Heritage. However, it is likely that immuno-contraception will not, at least in the short to medium term, be a viable option for grey squirrels. Even if a suitable vaccine is found, there will still be a challenge to establish how to deliver it to grey squirrels without affecting other wildlife, especially the red squirrel.

Secondary information