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Webinar: White-Nose Syndrome and Bats
October 16, 2024 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm CDT
Speakers: Jonathan
Reichard and Jeremy Coleman, White-Nose Syndrome Response Team, USFWS
White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) is a devastating disease that affects
hibernating bats, caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd).
This fungus thrives in cold, dark, and damp environments, attacking the
bare skin of bats during their hibernation. As it grows, it disrupts
their hibernation patterns, causing them to burn through the fat reserves
needed to survive the winter. The result is often fatal, with millions of
bats in North America already lost to this disease. WNS is especially
concerning because bats play a critical role in ecosystems, particularly
in controlling insect populations. Additionally, people can unknowingly
spread the Pd fungus when they move from one location to another without
properly cleaning their gear. This makes it crucial to clean and
disinfect shoes, clothing, and equipment between trips to help prevent
the spread of WNS. In this webinar, we’ll explore the impact of
White-Nose Syndrome and learn more about the efforts of the White-Nose
Syndrome Response Team to combat this deadly disease. Photo credit:
National Park Service
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