Post

White-Nose Syndrome cause identified

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison say they have found the cause of White-Nose Syndrome in bats. It is estimated the fungus has killed over two million hibernating bats in more than 15 states and 2 Canadian provinces. Most susceptible has been the little brown bat however at least five other hibernating species have been affected by the fungus.

The U.W. scientists say the disease is caused by a fungus called “Geo-myces Destructans” which is common in Europe but was first discovered in the U.S. about five years ago.

Now that the source is known researchers will try to figure out how it kills bats and how to stop it. So far they know that hibernating bats infected with the fungus awake as often as every 3 to 4 days instead of the usual 10 to 20 days. About 90 percent of the bats die from starvation

Add Comment

Your email address will not be published.


 

Stay Up to Date

Subscribe for our newsletter today and receive relevant news straight to your inbox!