Red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) are native to most of Eurasia; in much of the United Kingdom, they have been supplanted by the non-native grey squirrel, and are considered an endangered species. Very little is known about the range of tick-borne pathogens to which UK red squirrels are exposed. As part of trap-and-release surveys examining prevalence of Mycobacterium spp. in red squirrel populations on two UK islands, Ixodes ricinus ticks were removed from squirrels and PCR screened for Borrelia spp., intracellular arthropod-borne bacteria and the parasitic wasp Ixodiphagus hookeri. At both sites, the most commonly encountered tick-transmitted bacterium was Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (overall minimum prevalence 12.7%), followed by Anaplasma phagocytophilum (overall minimum prevalence 1.6%). Single ticks infected with Spiroplasma were found at both sites, and single ticks infected with Borrelia miyamotoi or an Ehrlichia sp. at one site. Ticks harbouring Wolbachia (overall minimum prevalence 15.2%) were all positive for I. hookeri. Our study shows that UK red squirrels are potentially exposed to a variety of bacterial pathogens via feeding ticks. The effects on the health and survival of this already vulnerable wildlife species are unknown, and further studies are needed to evaluate the threat posed to red squirrels by Borrelia and other tick-borne pathogens.

Section of Orthopa?dics 103 Osteochondrodystrophy (Brailsford, Morquio).-G. G. FARRINGTON, F.R.C.S. R. W. C., male, aged 14 years. Referred to Dr. Harold Avery with the complaint that his legs were weak and did not seem strong enough to support him. First noticed by parents two years ago and more marked now though he can run upstairs. Past history.-Normal birth and early development. When about 5 years old it became apparent that he was small for his age. He is still growing, though slowly. No serious illnesses. Family history.-No known consanguinity. Nil relevant. Examination.-Alert and intelligent. Undersized boy, looks about 7-8 years. Height 52 in. Weight 60 lb. Limbs thin but no gross wasting or weakness. Barrel chest. Round shoulders. Mildly kyphotic and some pes valgus. Head normal in shape and size. Joints normal. C.N.S. and C.V.S. normal. General appearance is that of osteochondrodystrophy (Fig. 1).

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