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| Causative Agent |
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White Nose Syndrome, or WNS, is a
fungal disease affecting
hibernating bats (Vespertilionidae).
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The disease is named for the
white
fungus,
Pseudogymnoascus (Geomyces) destructans, that infects the
skin of the muzzle, ears, and wings of hibernating bats.
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WNS is associated with
extensive mortality of bats (millions of animals) in eastern North
America.
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First documented in New York
state in the winter of 2006-2007, WNS has spread rapidly across the
eastern United States and Canada
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The fungus that causes WNS
has been detected as far west as Oklahoma.
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Evidence suggests that WNS
may be caused by an invasive strain of the
fungus, probably from Europe.
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| Images |
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Click on
image to enlarge. |
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White fungal growth often
appears on the muzzles of hibernating bats. |
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| Distribution |
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Geographic: |
Click on map to
enlarge. |
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WNS has not been detected in British Columbia as of December 2014.
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Seasonality: |
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Mainly observed during the winter months.
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Distribution of WNS as of
December 2013 |
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| Hosts, Transmission and Life
Cycle |
| Hosts: |
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Bat species known to be affected by WNS:
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Big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus);
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Eastern small-footed bat (Myotis leibii);
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Gray bat (Myotis grisescens)
[endangered];
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Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis)
[endangered];
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Little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus);
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Northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis);
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Tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus).
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Transmission and Life Cycle: |
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It is believed that white-nose syndrome is transmitted primarily from bat
to bat.
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WNS may also be transmitted by humans inadvertently carrying the fungus
from cave to cave on their clothing and gear.
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The
fungus,
Pseudogymnoascus destructans, associated with WNS, thrives in the
cold and humid conditions characteristic of caves and mines
used by bats.
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| Signs and Symptoms |
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Bats affected by WNS
may exhibit some or all of the following unusual behaviors or
characteristics:
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affected animals will
often exhibit a white fungus on the muzzle, wings, ears or tail;
- bats flying outside
during the day in temperatures at or below freezing;
- bats clustered near
entrances of hibernacula;
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dead or dying bats on
the ground or on buildings, trees or other structures.
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| Meat Edible? |
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Meat from bats is generally not consumed.
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| Human Health Concerns and
Risk Reduction |
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Thousands of people have visited affected caves and mines since
white-nose syndrome was first observed, and there have been no
reported human illnesses attributable to WNS.
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To date, there is no known risk to humans from contact with WNS-affected
bats.
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Bats should not be handled for concerns over other
zoonotic diseases such as
rabies, and biologists and researchers should use protective clothing when entering
caves or handling bats.
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Taking precautions and not
exposing yourself to WNS is urged.
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| Samples for Diagnosis |
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Fresh, intact carcasses.
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Photos of affected animals
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| Further Reading |
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