Dear Members,
I'm sad to report that White-nose Syndrome has been confirmed in two additional states: Indiana and North Carolina.
Last week, I wrote to tell you the Geomyces destructans fungus that's linked to WNS was found in Indiana. Since then, lab tests have confirmed the WNS disease, not just the fungus, has reached Indiana.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission announced yesterday that the disease has spread to their state as well. Bats found in an abandoned mine in Avery County and a cave in Grandfather Mountain State Park, both in western North Carolina, tested positive for White-nose Syndrome disease.
WNS or its associated fungus is now documented in 16 U.S. states and 2 Canadian provinces. You can view a map showing all confirmed WNS locations here. Mortality rates approaching 100 percent are reported at some of these sites.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but we suspect Indiana and North Carolina are only the beginning of this year's emails reporting new states that face White-nose Syndrome. Over the next few months I'll be sending updates to BCI supporters as they come in — and hopefully a little good news, as well. Bat Conservation International and its partners, with help from friends like you, are searching tirelessly for solutions to this devastating disease.
Regards,
Nina Fascione
Executive Director
1 comment:
On the positive side of this devastating disease, it looks like the Big Brown Bat will come out of this in good shape. In many parts of the country, this bat prefers to hibernate in houses where the humidity is not >90% to support fungal growth (like a cave).
http://crittercatchersinc.com/critters/bats/White_Nose_Syndrome_Michigan.html
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