Bird tables which bring red and grey squirrels into close contact could be contributing to the spread of the squirrel pox virus by creating a "hotspot" for the disease, Newcastle researchers have found.

The Newcastle University researchers revealed seasonal peaks in the transmission of the pox virus - a disease which is largely responsible for the dramatic decline in the UK's red squirrel population.

These "high-risk" peaks were found to correlate to times of the year when both species of squirrel roamed further - either because of a shortage of food or while searching for a mate - increasing the chance for disease transmission.

Studying the squirrels in Northumberland and the Scottish Borders, the team mapped out seasonal variation of prevalence patterns for the viral antibody and found infection rates were particularly high during spring and at a low in autumn. They also found the spread of infection was strongly male-biased.

The research highlights the risk of creating "hotspots" which attract both red and grey squirrels to the same place, such as bird tables and other feeding stations.