North American Bat Death Toll Exceeds 6 Million From White-nose Syndrome

[Shiloh]

Re: USA: Bats Die by the Thousands

Source: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local...ew_Jersey.html



N.J.'s little brown bats in peril
Officials estimate the threatened animals are down sharply statewide.

By James M. O'Neill

Associated Press
TRENTON - The catastrophic drop in the population of little brown bats continues, with their numbers down 50 percent from last summer and 80 percent from 2008, according to the results of New Jersey's annual summer bat count...

[Shiloh]

Re: USA: Bats Die by the Thousands

Source: http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/20...ite-nose-plan/


Feds Criticized in Fight Against Killer Bat Disease

* By Brandon Keim Email Author
* November 12, 2010 |
*
As an apocalyptic bat disease threatens to spread across the United States, the stage is set for a showdown between the federal government and environmentalists who feel enough isn?t being done to stop it.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released the second draft version on Oct. 27 of its national response plan for White Nose Syndrome, which has killed more than a million cave-dwelling bats since emerging four years ago.

On the same day, the nonprofit Center for Biological Diversity issued a press release excoriating the plan, calling it a ?slow-motion response? to a disease that?s already destroyed a major part of the animal kingdom in the eastern U.S., and shows no sign of slowing...

[Shiloh]

Re: USA: Bats Die by the Thousands

Source: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releas...-dit020311.php

Public release date: 3-Feb-2011
[ Print | E-mail | Share Share ] [ Close Window ]

Contact: Ben Norman
Lifesciencenews@wiley.com
44-124-377-0375
Wiley-Blackwell
Death in the bat caves: Disease wiping out hibernating bats
Scientists suggest a roadmap to tackle disease which has killed over 1 million bats

Conservationists across the United States are racing to discover a solution to White-Nose Syndrome, a disease that is threatening to wipe out bat species across North America. A review published in Conservation Biology reveals that although WNS has already killed one million bats, there are critical knowledge gaps preventing researchers from combating the disease...

[Shiloh]

Re: USA: Bats Die by the Thousands

Source: http://www.citizen-times.com/article...xt|Frontpage|p


White-nose syndrome shows up in Yancey County
4:16 PM, Mar. 1, 2011 |

...The disease was confirmed last week in Yancey County. It was previously discovered in a retired Avery County Mine and in a cave at Grandfather Mountain State Park. While the news last week that a deadly bat disease had arrived in North Carolina was tragic, it did not come as a surprise to biologists...

[Shiloh]

Re: USA: Bats Die by the Thousands

Source: http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/n...5-24-2011.html

For Immediate Release, May 24, 2011
Contact: Mollie Matteson, (802) 318-1487

Deadly Bat Disease Arrives in Maine
Fungus That Has Killed More Than 1 Million Bats Continues Rapid Spread

AUGUSTA, Maine? The fast-spreading disease that has killed more than 1 million bats in North America has been found in Maine for the first time. State wildlife officials said today that bats at two sites in Oxford County were found with the telltale signs of white-nose syndrome: a fuzzy, white substance on their wings and muzzles. National wildlife disease experts later confirmed it was white-nose syndrome. The disease, or the fungus that causes it, has now been found in 19 states and four Canadian provinces...

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: USA: Bats Die by the Thousands

[Source: USGS, full text: (LINK).]
[INDENT]
Culprit Identified: Fungus Causes Deadly Bat Disease



26 October 2011 | OC_Web@usgs.gov (Office of Communications Web Group)


The appropriately named fungus Geomyces destructans is the cause of deadly white-nose syndrome (WNS) in bats, according to research published today in the journal Nature.

The study by U.S. Geological Survey scientists and partners,
conducted at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wisc., provides the first direct evidence that the fungus G. destructans causes WNS, a rapidly spreading disease in North American bats.

"By identifying what causes WNS, this study will greatly enhance the ability of decision makers to develop management strategies to preserve vulnerable bat populations and the ecosystem services that they provide in the U.S. and Canada," said Anne Kinsinger, USGS Associate Director of Ecosystems.

During the study, 100 percent of healthy little brown bats exposed to G. destructans while hibernating in captivity developed WNS. Additionally, the study demonstrated that G. destructans can be spread through contact between individual bats.

Read more: http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/sho...d.php?t=175519

[sharon sanders]

Re: USA: Bats Die by the Millions

North American Bat Death Toll Exceeds 5.5 Million From White-nose Syndrome

January 17, 2012

Contacts:
Ann Froschauer
413-658-4493 (cell)
413-253-8356 (office)
ann_froschauer@fws.gov

Jeremy Coleman
413-265-1441 (cell)
413-253-8223 (office)
jeremy_coleman@fws.gov

On the verge of another season of winter hibernating bat surveys, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists and partners estimate that at least 5.7 million to 6.7 million bats have now died from white-nose syndrome. Biologists expect the disease to continue to spread.

White-nose syndrome (WNS) is decimating bat populations across eastern North America, with mortality rates reaching up to 100 percent at many sites. First documented in New York in 2006, the disease has spread quickly into 16 states and four Canadian provinces. Bats with WNS exhibit unusual behavior during cold winter months, including flying outside during the day and clustering near the entrances of caves and mines where they hibernate. Bats have been found sick and dying in unprecedented numbers near these hibernacula.

“This startling new information illustrates the severity of the threat that white-nose syndrome poses for bats, as well as the scope of the problem facing our nation. Bats provide tremendous value to the U.S. economy as natural pest control for American farms and forests every year, while playing an essential role in helping to control insects that can spread disease to people,” said Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe. “We are working closely with our partners to understand the spread of this deadly disease and minimize its impacts to affected bat species.”

Estimating the total number of bat deaths has been a difficult challenge for biologists. Although consistent population counts for federally listed endangered bats, like the Indiana bat, have been a priority for state and federal biologists, establishing population counts of once “common” bat species, like little brown bats, was historically not the primary focus of seasonal bat population counts.

“White-nose syndrome has spread quickly through bat populations in eastern North America, and has caused significant mortality in many colonies,” said National WNS Coordinator, Dr. Jeremy Coleman, “Many bats were lost before we were able to establish pre-white-nose syndrome population estimates.”

More than 140 partners, including tribal, state and federal biologists and bat researchers convened in Carlisle, Pennsylvania for the 2012 Northeast Bat Working Group (NEBWG) meeting last week to discuss challenges facing bat research, management and conservation. Coordinating with wildlife officials in Canada, the group discussed population-level impacts to hibernating bats and developed the estimate of bats lost to WNS.

In addition to the lack of population data for many bat species, there has also been a lack of consistency in how bat population data was reported among agencies. As part of the May 2011 national WNS response plan, which was developed by the Service in partnership with a team of federal, state, tribal, and NGO scientists, agencies are addressing this by establishing methods for consistent data collection.

The National Plan for Assisting States, Federal Agencies and Tribes in Managing White-Nose Syndrome in Bats provides a framework for the coordination and management of the national WNS investigation response, and the Service leads an extensive network of partners in implementing the plan.

The Service serves as the primary resource for up-to-date information and recommendations for all partners, such as important decontamination protocols for cave researchers and visitors and a cave access advisory that requests a voluntary moratorium on activities in caves in affected states to minimize the potential spread of WNS.

In addition to developing science-based protocols and guidance for land management agencies and other partners to minimize the spread of WNS, the Service has funded numerous research projects to support and assess management recommendations and improve our basic understanding of the dynamics of the disease.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service.

http://us.vocuspr.com/Newsroom/Query.aspx?SiteName=fws&Entity=PRAsset&SF_PRAsset_PRAssetID_EQ=129322&XSL=PressRelease&Cache=True

[Pathfinder]

Re: North American Bat Death Toll Exceeds 5.5 Million From White-nose Syndrome

Officials Worry Bat Disease Will Spread West

White Nose Syndrome Killing Millions Of Bats Out East

Dann Cianca dcianca@kjct8.com
POSTED: 5:53 pm MST January 19, 2012

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. -- An animal often portrayed as a frightening creature of the night is now disappearing at an alarming rate. A fast-spreading disease is in the process of decimating North America's bat population.

The good news on the Western Slope is that the disease, known as White Nose Syndrome, is not in Colorado yet. But officials worry that if it makes it here, it could have far reaching effects on the local ecosystem, including agriculture and even human health.
...
Chris Servheen is the coordinator for White Nose Disease at the US Fish & Wildlife Service. He says, "There's serious ecosystem ramifications if this disease spreads across all the bats in North America, so we're very worried about that."

"It was first documented in New York less than ten years ago and it has already spread throughout most of the east coast and into eastern Canada. And between five to seven million bats are known to have died from this disease," Servheen said.

Luckily, the disease has not been seen in Colorado yet, but possible cases have been seen as far west as Missouri and Oklahoma.
...

http://www.kjct8.com/news/30255780/detail.html

[Pathfinder]

Re: North American Bat Death Toll Exceeds 5.5 Million From White-nose Syndrome

Bat fungus hits Summit County

Infection has resulted in the deaths of millions of bats since 2006

By Pat Holmes
The Columbus Dispatch Friday February 3, 2012 3:29 AM

A deadly fungus that affects bats has been found in a Summit County metro park.

It is the second time the disease has been found in Ohio. It was discovered last March in bats at the Wayne National Forest in Lawrence County.

More...

http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/02/03/bat-fungus-hits-summit-county.html

[Pathfinder]

Re: North American Bat Death Toll Exceeds 5.5 Million From White-nose Syndrome

White-nose syndrome turns up in 3 Ky. caves

Feb 7, 2012 4:01am

HARDINSBURG, Ky. (AP) ? A disease that has killed millions of bats in eastern North America has been found in three central Kentucky caves.

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Resources says three common bat species tested positive for the fungus responsible for white-nose syndrome. The species are the Northern long-eared, tri-colored and little brown bats.

The caves are privately owned and not open to the public. The department says they are northeast of Hardinsburg in Breckinridge County.

More...

http://www.necn.com/02/07/12/White-nose-syndrome-turns-up-in-3-Ky-cav/landing_health.html?&apID=0c742abce24c48ef894a374446ccbe1a

[Pathfinder]

Re: North American Bat Death Toll Exceeds 5.5 Million From White-nose Syndrome

White-nose Syndrome

<!-- Text area for primary content -->White-nose Syndrome Threatens New York's Bats




Many thousands of hibernating bats are dying in caves and abandoned mines in New York, Massachusetts and Vermont from unknown causes, prompting an investigation by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), as well as wildlife agencies and researchers around the nation. The most obvious symptom associated with the die-off is a white fungus encircling the noses of some, but not all, of the bats. This has led to the name "white-nose syndrome", which is actually a collection of related symptoms, including a fungus. It is not clear how this fungus alone can cause bats to die, however, impacted bats deplete their fat reserves months before their normal springtime emergence from hibernation, and starve to death as a result.

Bat biologists across the country are evaluating strategies to monitor the presence of the disease and collect specimens for laboratory analysis. Biologists are taking precautions (using sanitary clothing and respirators when entering caves) to avoid unintentionally spreading a disease in the process. Bat populations are particularly vulnerable during hibernation as they congregate in large numbers in caves, in clusters of 300 individuals per square foot in some locations, making them susceptible to disturbance or disease. The vast majority of the hundreds of thousands of bats known to hibernate in New York do so in just five caves and mines. Because bats migrate hundreds of miles to their summer range, the impacts of white-nose syndrome are expected to have significant implications for bats throughout the Northeast.

Indiana bats, a state and federally endangered species, are perhaps the most vulnerable. Half the estimated 52,000 Indiana bats that hibernate in New York are located in one former mine that is now affected with white-nose syndrome. Eastern pipistrelle, northern long-eared and little brown bats are also dying. Little brown bats, the most common hibernating species in New York, have sustained the largest number of deaths.

DEC has been working with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, the Northeast Cave Conservancy and the National Speleological Society, along with researchers from universities and other government agencies to study the problem. Current information on the status of white-nose syndrome in the northeast may be found by following a link to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's white-nose syndrome web page found in the right hand column of this page.

http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/45088.html

[Pathfinder]

Re: North American Bat Death Toll Exceeds 5.5 Million From White-nose Syndrome

Bat disease expected this winter at most Western Pennsylvania sites

By Rick Wills, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Carl Pierce has explored caves since 1974, but was unprepared for what he saw last year in a West Virginia cave.

"There were dead bats on the wall. There were others clinging to the wall.
There were bats on the floor, stomping around. Many had maggots crawling over them. It looked like a horror movie. It was just awful," said Pierce, 46, a Mt. Lebanon electrical engineer and longtime member of the Pittsburgh Grotto, a chapter of the National Speleological Society.

Most people never see that sort of biological wreckage up close. Yet the white-nose syndrome that killed the bats Pierce encountered is so lethal and prolific that researchers are concerned about the potential extinction of five hibernating bat species in North America.

"We have never seen anything like this. It is catastrophic. Many hibernating bat species could be facing extinction. At best, it could take decades or centuries for the bat population in the Northeast and Midwest to rebound," said Maylea Bayless of Austin-based Bat Conservation International.

The loss of bats from the disease, which kills nearly 90 percent of them, could threaten the region's agriculture. Bats eat pests that attack crops and such invaders as the emerald ash borer, which devastated ash trees in the Midwest and Northeast.

In Western Pennsylvania caves and mines, white-nose fungus, or Geomyces Destructans, is expected to peak during this winter's bat hibernation.

"The western part of the state will be the last place (in the state) to get the disease. The majority of the sites will probably have it this winter," said Greg Turner of State College, a biologist with the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The agency monitors the disease, first found in 2006 in upstate New York.

Read more: Bat disease expected this winter at most Western Pennsylvania sites - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pitt...#ixzz1mw3iULna

[Pathfinder]

Re: North American Bat Death Toll Exceeds 5.5 Million From White-nose Syndrome

27 f?vrier 2012 13:00

Emergency Assessment Concludes that Three Bat Species are Endangered in Canada

OTTAWA, Feb. 27, 2012 /CNW/ - On 3 February 2012, an emergency assessment subcommittee of COSEWIC (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada) assessed the status of Tri-colored Bat (Perimyotis subflavus), Little Brown Myotis (Myotis lucifugus), and Northern Myotis (Myotis septentrionalis) in Canada. All three species were assessed as Endangered. The subcommittee concluded that the unprecedented mortality in Canada's native bat species from Geomyces destructans, the pathogen responsible for White-nose Syndrome, poses a serious and imminent threat to the survival of each of these species. Populations of all three species have recently declined precipitously due to the rapid spread of White Nose Syndrome. A recommendation has been made to the Minister of the Environment that an Emergency Order be issued placing these wildlife species on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act.

The emergency assessment was based on the best available knowledge for the three bat species and the disease agent in Canada and in the United States. Although information on bats and the fungal disease is somewhat limited, the evidence of population collapse and rapid spread of the disease is clear. This is only the fourth emergency assessment carried out by COSEWIC in about ten years.

White Nose Syndrome

White Nose Syndromewas first identified in a cave in New York State, USA in February 2006. It was discovered in Canada in the winter of 2009/2010 and is now confirmed in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia and is spreading rapidly at rates of between 200 and 400km/year. It is believed that the fungus is not native to North America, and further human transport may facilitate more rapid spread to western Canada.

Little is known about this syndrome that gets its name from the characteristic white fuzzy fungal growths that can been seen around the nose and on the wings of infected bats. Laboratory studies in 2011 confirm that the syndrome is caused by a fungus called Geomyces destructans. White-nose Syndrome interrupts the hibernation of bats and they quickly use up the fat reserves that get them through the winter. Infected bats often emerge early from hibernation and are seen flying around in midwinter. These bats usually dehydrate or starve to death. The disease has now been linked to deaths of more than 5.7 million North American bats.

Three Bat Species Endangered and, Other Bat Species Likely Impacted

In Canada, the ranges of the Tri-colored Bat and G. destructans almost completely overlap. This bat is relatively rare, but direct counts of this species at a hibernaculum in Quebec show declines of 94% over two years. The disease risk to Tri-colored Bat is considered exceptionally high because it hibernates at temperatures considered optimal for the pathogen and for relatively long periods of time.

Although the range of Little Brown Myotis has so far only been partially impacted by G. destructans, the disease is spreading at rates between 200 and 400km/year and could encompass most of the species' range within two to three generations. Recent population counts of Little Brown Myotis at hibernacula in Canada show declines of 94-99% within two years of exposure.

For Northern Myotis, like Little Brown Myotis, the distribution of G. destructans does not include the full range of the species but the evidence indicates rapid spread and very high mortality. Recent counts at hibernacula in Canada show declines of over 90% within two years.
Only three bat species were assessed by COSEWIC in February, however, to date White Nose Syndrome has been identified in nine species of bats in North America and there is conservation concern for these and other species where the disease has not yet been found.

Not Just a Bat Problem, Bats Provide Us with Very Important Ecological Services

Although there are no known links between the syndrome and human health, White Nose Syndrome is more than just a bat problem. Bats provide tremendous value to the economy as natural pest control for farms and forests every year, and may play an important role in helping to control insects that spread disease to people. US researchers have estimated that the bat die-off will cost North American agriculture $3.7 billion dollars annually.

What is Being Done

Currently there is no treatment for, or means of preventing transmission of White Nose Syndrome. Canadian and United States researchers and conservation biologists are working together to improve data and address important research questions on bats and the disease. An inter-agency team has prepared a draft document; "A National Plan to Manage White Nose Syndrome in Bats in Canada" to guide and coordinate actions.

Efforts are underway to reduce or remove the possibility of transfer of the fungus by humans through reducing visits to caves and through biosecurity protocols for researchers. We encourage the public to contact their local wildlife agencies and report any caves, mines or other sites used by bats, and any unusual bat behavior, such as bats flying outdoors in deep winter, or sightings of dead bats in winter.

(Note: The has been some recent changes in the scientific and common names of bats: Little Brown Myotis (Myotis lucifugus) was previously, Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus); Tri-colored Bat (Perimyotis subflavus) was previously, Eastern Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus subflavus) and Northern Myotis (Myotis septentrionalis) was previously, Northern Long-eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis).

...

http://www.newswire.ca/fr/story/928387/emergency-assessment-concludes-that-three-bat-species-are-endangered-in-canada

[Emily]

Re: North American Bat Death Toll Exceeds 5.5 Million From White-nose Syndrome

http://www.metronews.ca/edmonton/lif...-north-alabama

Deadly bat disease detected in north Alabama

JAY REEVES, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: March 14, 2012 5:22 p.m.
Last modified: March 14, 2012 5:41 p.m.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - A disease that already has killed more than 5.5 million cave-dwelling bats in eastern North America has been detected in a cavern in northeast Alabama, its farthest incursion yet into the South, wildlife officials said Wednesday...

[Pathfinder]

Re: North American Bat Death Toll Exceeds 5.5 Million From White-nose Syndrome

Acadia National Park Confirms White-nose Syndrome in Bats
News Release (pdf, March 20, 2012)

Bat Disease, White-Nose Syndrome, Confirmed in Acadia National Park:
Not Harmful to Humans, but Deadly to Bats

White-nose syndrome (WNS), the disease that has recently killed millions of bats in eastern North America, has been confirmed in bats at Acadia National Park in Maine. This is the first confirmation of WNS in Acadia National Park and in Hancock County. White-nose syndrome is associated with a newly discovered fungus, Geomyces destructans, and was given this name because, when first discovered, infected bats had white fungus on their muzzles. Once infected, bats become dehydrated, malnourished, and soon die.

?Learning that white-nose syndrome has been documented in Acadia and Hancock County bats is disappointing,? said Acadia National Park Superintendent Sheridan Steele."The National Park Service is working closely with Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the US Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center to implement protective protocols to limit the spread of this fungus in Maine's bat populations. Bats are important because they play a critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and are tremendously important in managing mosquitoes and other biting insects. Losing even a small percentage of Maine's bats could have a devastating effect on one of nature?s ecological controls of forest and wetland insects."

"We are more likely to see bats out during the daytime and during seasons when they are not normally active in Maine," added Steele."We discourage anyone from handling or disturbing roosting bats, as these actions can only further stress individuals and the remaining populations. We encourage everyone to learn more about ways to live safely with bats in Acadia National Park and Maine,? said Superintendent Steele. Visitor activities and visitor management operations are not expected to be affected by the recent finding of WNS.

"The fungus does not pose a health risk to humans. Scientists believe humans may transport fungal spores on clothing and gear," added the park?s wildlife biologist Bruce Connery, ?and the fungus cannot be killed simply by washing clothing and equipment.? Managers and scientists are advising that unless people have special training and equipment, they should avoid bat roosting areas to help slow the transmission of the fungus. Maine may join other states that have placed restrictions on working in winter hibernacula and summer maternal roosts.

"Coastal environments were not thought to have bats in winter and seemed insulated from areas where white-nose syndrome had been found," said Connery. "This year we have been getting reports about bats being active throughout the winter. We tested two bats found in the park this winter and discovered that they had the disease. Our biggest concern is public response to this announcement and being able to clear up the many misconceptions about bats. Bats are highly valuable in the ecological scheme of the park and only if visitors and neighbors work cooperatively with all conservation efforts will the remaining bats be protected in Maine and throughout the Northeast."

The National Park Service suggests following these guidelines to help reduce the spread of white-nose syndrome and protect bats: Do not handle alive or dead bats. Keep pets away. Contact a park employee if you observe a bat during the day or see unusual bat behavior. For observations of bats or unusual bat activity outside park boundaries, visit the MDIF&W website at www.mefishwildlife.com or send an email with your questions to ifw.webmaster@maine.gov Do not enter caves or mines anywhere during the winter hibernation months (November ? April) or attics during the summer maternity months (June through late July).

Disturbing bats during hibernation or in maternal roosts can cause bats to use limited energy reserves and could cause mortality in bats that may already be diseased or stressed. For the most up-to-date closures and information, visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service White-Nose Syndrome web site: http://www.fws.gov/whitenosesyndrome If you have bats roosting in structures, allow them to rear their pups and exit the structure at the end of the summer before closing off any entrance holes. Before the following summer, install bat houses to provide bats with a roosting alternative. For information about bat houses, go to the Bat Conservation International website. http://www.batcon.org/index.php .

For more information about white-nose syndrome in the National Park Service, visit http://www.nature.nps.gov/biology/wi...e_Syndrome.cfm
Additional information can be found at http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/disease_inf...rome/index.jsp
Contacts:
Acadia National Park Winter Visitor Station (207) 288-3338
Bruce Connery, Acadia National Park, bruce_connery@nps.gov
John DePue, Maine Dept. Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, John.E.Depue@maine.gov
Ann Froschauer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (413) 253-8356, ann_froschauer@fws.gov
For more information about the National Park Service, visit http://www.nps.gov