Cause Confirmed for Devastating Bat Disease

[Daniel Eagan]

Just got this press release from Ashley Fuller at BCI:

October 26, 2011 (Austin, TX) – The U.S. Geological Survey’s National Wildlife Health Center and its partners confirmed today that the fungus Geomyces destructans is the cause of White-nose Syndrome (WNS), the deadly disease that is devastating bat populations across North America.

Although the affliction was named for the telltale white fungus that grows on the faces (and sometimes wings, ears and tails) of many infected bats, the definitive cause of WNS had remained uncertain. The new, cold-loving fungus was identified and named in 2009, but it remained unclear whether it was the cause of the disease or a symptom of it. Today’s report in the journal Nature resolves that question.

“With every new disease, determining its cause is a major milestone, so we are very pleased at this news,” said Nina Fascione, Executive Director of Bat Conservation International, “Bat biologists have suspected for some time that the fungus was causing White-nose Syndrome, and today’s confirmation gives scientists a powerful tool in their efforts to solve this deadly wildlife emergency.”

White-nose Syndrome has killed well over a million bats of six species in five years. Mortality rates approaching 100 percent are reported at some sites. Scientists estimate that one million bats would have consumed nearly 700 tons of insects per year. Since many of the insects eaten by bats are agricultural pests, losing large numbers of bats will have expensive impacts on agriculture.

“This is a critical accomplishment, but it is only one step toward resolving the crisis,” said Fascione. “There is still a long road ahead. and the research that is needed is time-consuming and costly. We urge everyone to ask their Congressional representatives to provide federal funding to help fight this terrible disease.”

For additional information about the US Geological Survey’s findings, click here.

Bat Conservation International (BCI) is devoted to conserving the world’s bats and their ecosystems to ensure a healthy planet. Founded in 1982, the organization has achieved unprecedented progress by emphasizing sustainable uses of natural resources that benefit both bats and people.

 

[Little Rickie]

So how did the fungus get in the caves? Did humans bring it in or is it just a natural thing?

 

[una_dogger]

Wow, interesting!
Thanks for posting.

 

[Jay H]

“This is a critical accomplishment, but it is only one step toward resolving the crisis,” said Fascione. “There is still a long road ahead. and the research that is needed is time-consuming and costly. We urge everyone to ask their Congressional representatives to provide federal funding to help fight this terrible disease.”

Good news, yes, a long road but the first step in most illnesses is identifying the cause...



Jay

 

[AMF]

So how did the fungus get in the caves? Did humans bring it in or is it just a natural thing?

Its native to Europe, where it apparently has minimal effect on populations (kinda like Dutch Elm disease). It is presumed to have been brought over on humans, but bats themselves are the primary vector for spreading it. According to the study, it seems to require direct physical contact (such as would occur in a hibernaculum or maternity colony) to spread; caged healthy bats separated from caged infected bats by less than 2 cm were not affected after a period of 102 days.

 

[Little Rickie]

I'm glad to here that but I'm sure they won't let cavers back in.

 

[Daniel Eagan]

Somewhat positive update in today's Washington Post: Little brown bats found that appear to resist disease that has devastated species.

 

[Andrew]

Some new information:

http://www.adirondackdailyenterpris...nd-bat-die-off-came-from-Europe.html?nav=5008

 

[JoeCedar]

On March 7, I had just returned to the Stony Brook trailhead after hiking Moriah and saw something flying around the parking area (time was about 4 p.m.). It was a bat, probably not likely to survive long without food, even though this was one of those unusual warm days.

 

[Daniel Eagan]

More bad news: disease has spread to gray bats. From today's Washington Post:

Gray bats found to carry white-nose syndrome

The deadly white-nose disease has been detected in endangered gray bats, federal wildlife officials announced Tuesday, raising a very real possibility that the species could be wiped out within two years...

 

[Gremlin]

I read that too this morning. A real bummer.

 

[sardog1]

Got Bats? New Rule Protects Vulnerable Bats with Restriction on Exclusion

From NH Fish and Game today, at Got Bats? New Rule Protects Vulnerable Bats with Restriction on Exclusion:

White-nose Syndrome Documented in a Fourth N.H. County

Long-eared bats have been hit hard by WNS in New Hampshire.
CONCORD, N.H. -- Are you planning to remove bats from your property? Be aware that a new rule designed to protect bats prohibits the exclusion of bats from unoccupied structures by licensed Wildlife Control Operators from May 15 through August 15, unless the N.H. Department of Health and Human Services has documented a rabid bat on the property. The rule was established this year in response to growing concern for the status of many of New Hampshire's bat populations, which have been decimated by white-nose syndrome (WNS) in recent years.

Bats in New Hampshire have suffered greatly as a result of white-nose syndrome. Populations of five of the state’s eight species of bats have plummeted, with hibernating numbers of the once-common little brown bat plunging over 99%, according to Emily Brunkhurst, a biologist with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program.

"This rule helps protect our remaining bat populations during the time when they are raising young," said Brunkhurst. "While this measure is certainly helpful, we strongly urge people to avoid evicting bats from any structure, occupied or otherwise, during the summer months. Our bats are in big trouble, and, this is something concrete you can do to help them survive."

WNS was recently found for the first time in Rockingham County, bringing the total number of New Hampshire counties where the deadly bat disease has been found to four.

(More at the link highlighted above.)

 

[PamW]

Maine Prohibits Professional Exclusion of Bats from June 1- August 15

White-nose syndrome prompts state action on bats
...Last week, the state Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife sent a letter to animal control professionals around the state informing them they cannot prevent bats from returning to their roosting sites, even within buildings, from June 1 through Aug. 15. The exclusion of bats is accomplished using a device that lets the animals leave a roosting area, such as an attic, but won’t let them back in, explained John Pratte, animal damage control program coordinator at IF&W. Think of it like a reverse lobster trap — bats can get out, but can’t get back in. http://bangordailynews.com/2012/06/12/news/state/white-nose-syndrome-prompts-state-action-on-bats/

They also ask that homeowners obey the same rules-- leave the bats alone during breeding season. And by the way, unless there is a confirmed case of rabies, or the bat is in your living space (not your enclosed attic), it is illegal to kill them. I spent Sunday diving a baby bat to a wildlife rehabilitator because a relative was overly aggressive. So far the baby is doing well.

 

[Tom Rankin]

Apparently still spreading:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/...h-cave-fungus_n_2489915.html?utm_hp_ref=green