South Dakota Bat Working Group
Last update 31 March, 2010

White-Nose Syndrome

Something has been killing wintering populations of bats in the eastern U.S. as they hibernate in caves and mines since 2006. This affliction has been given the name “White Nose Syndrome” (WNS) because of the telltale white fungus growing on the noses of some infected bats. This previously undescribed fungus is a Geomyces species and may appear on wings, ears, and tails of afflicted bats, but also may be absent.

White Nose Syndrome is not well understood and scientists are investigating all potential aspects of the mysterious disease. One popular theory focuses on the fungus itself. The fungus has been identified as a member of the genus Geomyces, a cold-habitat obligate that thrives between 5-15ºC, which is the same range of temperatures typical of bat hibernacula. The Geomyces fungus infects hibernating bats as their bodies are cold and amenable to its growth. Infected bats may arouse from hibernation to attempt to deal with the fungal infection and in doing so prematurely burn up their fat stores and starve to death in mid-winter.

In the eastern United States, mortality typically exceeds 90% in hibernating colonies affected by WNS. While WNS has not been found in the western United States, the general consensus is that it will eventually occur in many regions of North America. Although white–nose syndrome (WNS) has not yet been reported in the western US or Canada, implementing decontamination procedures during bat–related field studies throughout the West may be a critical aspect for preventing the spread of WNS to this region. Since the transmission mode of WNS is not currently known, it is assumed that any equipment that comes into contact with bats has the potential to be a vector for the spread of WNS including mist nets, harp traps, bat holding bags, wing biopsy punches, weighing tubes, rulers, clothing, and gloves.

Photograph: Al Hicks, 2009 of Myotis lucifugus

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