Isn't there a risk of a mad cow variant from squirrel? I think I read that somewhere. Anyway if eat meat, which I do, it's pretty pointless to worry whether this species or that is added to the larder.
The Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife warned hunters a couple years ago to refrain from eating squirrel brains (a popular side dish with scrambled eggs) because of some sort of disease similar to mad cow.
Yup, found in the brains and spinal columns of infected squirrels. I couldn't eat one of the little furballs. I'd feel too guilty.