White-nose syndrome (WNS) has caused unprecedented mortality in hibernating bats in eastern
North America. This previously unknown disease has spread rapidly since its discovery in New
York in 2007, and poses a threat to hibernating bats throughout the continent. In 2010, DNA
indicative of the fungus Geomyces destructans, the pathogen demonstrated to cause WNS,
was detected on bats as far west as Missouri and Oklahoma. The disease, WNS, and/or the
fungus, G. destructans, has now been detected on bats at over 200 hibernacula in 19 states
and 4 Canadian provinces. An assessment of wintering populations at 42 hibernacula across 5
northeastern states revealed a total loss of 88% of all bats in sites that have been affected for
more than 2 years, with colony losses at some sites exceeding 99%. While our understanding of
this disease has improved considerably, there are many questions that remain to be answered.
The nature of remnant bat populations in the affected area has not yet been determined, and
the potential for resistance within affected species has not been demonstrated. We also
do not know the actual distribution of G. destructans on the landscape and lack the tools to
manage the fungus once it becomes established. A coordinated effort is required to manage
WNS and conserve North American bats, and there are over 100 state and federal agencies,
tribes, universities, institutions, organizations, and private entities involved with the organized
response. The National Plan for Assisting States, Federal Agencies and Tribes in Managing
White-Nose Syndrome in Bats, finalized in May 2011, provides the framework for a coordinated
national response.
OSU Extension White Nose Syndrome Fact Sheet - http://ohioline.osu.edu/w-fact/pdf/W_22_12.pdf
ODNR Video White Nose Syndrome in Bats - http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/Default.aspx?tabid=24150
Other sources of WNS information:
http://www.whitenosesyndrome.org/
http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/disease_information/white-nose_syndrome/
White-Nose Syndrome in Bats: Current Status of Knowledge and Management of a Novel Wildlife Disease — A special presentation by Ann Froschauer, National WNS Communications Leader, US Fish & Wildlife Service, was held at the Ohio State University on Thursday, March 29, 2012.
http://senr.osu.edu/images/Froschauer_OSU_2012.pdf