Clwyd West MS and Wales Species Champion for the Red Squirrel, Darren Millar, has challenged the First Minister what action the Welsh Government is taking to promote a squirrelpox vaccine for red squirrels.

Squirrelpox is a virus which causes a fatal disease affecting many red squirrels.

In questions to the First Minister this week, Mr. Millar said not taking action to protect against the virus is hampering conservation efforts across Wales. He therefore asked what the Welsh Government are doing to promote a vaccine.

He said: “One of the rare species in Wales that is affected by biodiversity loss is the red squirrel, and, as the red squirrel species champion in the Senedd, it would be improper of me not to ask the new First Minister what action his Government is taking to promote a red squirrel vaccine in respect of squirrelpox.

“He will know that this is a very dangerous disease, which is causing a great deal of angst amongst the red squirrel-supporting community, and could severely hamper the conservation efforts across Wales, particularly on Anglesey, where we've seen outbreaks in the past, and people there are very concerned to protect the red squirrel population that exists.

“We held a Petition Committee debate last year on this very subject, and, at that time, the Minister responsible for biodiversity helpfully gave a response that suggested that the Welsh Government would try to work with other UK Governments in trying to bring a vaccine forward. Can I ask what progress has been made?”

Responding, the First Minister said: “I want to first acknowledge Darren Millar's role in championing the cause of the red squirrel, and, in particular, of course, the most significant bastion of the red squirrel is on Ynys Môn in Wales.

“On the challenges of squirrelpox, I have seen a briefing on this. I can't actually recall the detail of the work that is being done between Governments in the UK, but I'm more than happy for the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs to provide an update to the Member, and also make sure that a copy is available through the library, so that other Members can see that as well, if they wish to see that practical update.”

Speaking after the meeting, Mr. Millar said: “Without the appropriate action to protect our wildlife here in Wales, we risk causing irreparable damage to our natural heritage. It's our duty to safeguard our environment and to support the plight of the red squirrel and other iconic Welsh wildlife.”