Administering the white-nose syndrome vaccine to a bat during a field trial.
White-nose syndrome (WNS) is an emergent disease of hibernating bats that has spread from the northeastern across United States at an alarming rate.
Since the winter of 2007-2008, millions of insect-eating bats in 40 states and eight Canadian provinces (as of July 2023) have died from this devastating disease. Bat population declines are expected to have substantial impacts on the environment and agriculture. Bats eat insects that damage crops and spread disease. Consumption of insects by bats saves farmers billions of dollars in pest control services annually.
White-nose syndrome is caused by a fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, that infects skin of the muzzle, ears, and wings of hibernating bats. Field signs of WNS can include excessive or unexplained mortality at a hibernaculum; visible white fungal growth on the muzzle or wings of live or freshly dead bats; abnormal daytime activity during winter months or movement toward hibernacula openings; and severe wing damage in bats that have recently emerged from hibernation. Infected bats experience a cascade of physiologic changes that result in weight loss, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and death. To determine conclusively if bats are affected by white-nose syndrome, scientists must examine a skin specimen to look for a characteristic microscopic pattern of skin erosion caused by P. destructans. Please see below for guidance on sample collection and submission for diagnostic services.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has been a leading contributor to the interagency response to WNS since 2008 and continues to provide ongoing scientific support to these efforts by performing fundamental research on bat ecology, fungal biology, and WNS epidemiology and pathology.
More resources on white-nose syndrome:
- NWHC Bat White-Nose Syndrome/Pd Surveillance Submission Guidelines
- A National Plan for Assisting States, Federal Agencies, and Tribes in Managing White-Nose Syndrome in Bats
- White-Nose Syndrome.org - A Coordinated Response to the Devastating Bat Disease
- White-nose syndrome occurrence map
- White-nose Syndrome Case Definitions
- Explorers for Bats video
- Battle for Bats video
White-nose syndrome surveillance training videos
White-nose syndrome vaccine update and research on host protection mechanisms
Sixteen years after Pd, the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome in bats, was first recognized in New York, its range now extends to the Rocky Mountains, and it has been definitively detected in all but seven states (Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, and Utah). The National Wildlife Health Center and our partners continue to field test a WNS vaccine for wild bats and to research...
Field trials for testing of white-nose syndrome vaccine candidates
White-nose syndrome (WNS), caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), continues to decimate bat populations in North America, and efforts to develop treatment options have intensified. One potential method for controlling WNS is vaccination of bats with specific antigens to elicit a protective immune response.
White-Nose Syndrome Surveillance
The USGS National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) assists State, Federal, and Tribal wildlife agencies nationwide with early detection of Pseudogymnoascus destructans ( Pd), and addresses specific research priorities identified by partners in conjunction with the White-Nose Syndrome National Plan.
Below are images related to white-nose syndrome.
Filter Total Items: 34
Administering the white-nose syndrome vaccine to a bat
Administering the white-nose syndrome vaccine to a bat during a field trial.
Bat receiving white-nose syndrome vaccine
A bat receiving the white-nose syndrome vaccine during a field trial to study vaccine efficacy.
A bat receiving the white-nose syndrome vaccine during a field trial to study vaccine efficacy.
Collecting a bat skin biopsy for white-nose syndrome surveillance
This video demonstrates the proper procedure for collecting a skin biopsy from a bat when conducting white-nose syndrome surveillance.
This video demonstrates the proper procedure for collecting a skin biopsy from a bat when conducting white-nose syndrome surveillance.
Approved euthanasia methods for bats (Microchiroptera)
This video shows the proper procedure for performing cervical dislocation on a bat with clinical signs of white-nose syndrome to be submitted to a diagnostic laboratory for evaluation.
This video shows the proper procedure for performing cervical dislocation on a bat with clinical signs of white-nose syndrome to be submitted to a diagnostic laboratory for evaluation.
Collecting a skin swab for white-nose syndrome surveillance
This video shows the proper technique for collecting a skin swab from a bat that is either roosting in place or is manually restrained for white-nose syndrome surveillance.
This video shows the proper technique for collecting a skin swab from a bat that is either roosting in place or is manually restrained for white-nose syndrome surveillance.
Environmental Sampling for White-Nose Syndrome Surveillance
Environmental samples collected in or near bat roosting locations can be used to supplement samples collected from bats for surveillance for white-nose syndrome (WNS) (https://www.usgs.gov/centers/nwhc/science/white-nose-syndrome).
Environmental samples collected in or near bat roosting locations can be used to supplement samples collected from bats for surveillance for white-nose syndrome (WNS) (https://www.usgs.gov/centers/nwhc/science/white-nose-syndrome).
UV Screening for Bat White-Nose Syndrome Surveillance
Long-wave ultraviolet (UV) light can be used to detect orange fluorescence associated with white-nose syndrome (https://www.usgs.gov/centers/nwhc/science/white-nose-syndrome-surveillance) on bat skin.
Long-wave ultraviolet (UV) light can be used to detect orange fluorescence associated with white-nose syndrome (https://www.usgs.gov/centers/nwhc/science/white-nose-syndrome-surveillance) on bat skin.
The Effects of Geomyces Destructans Infection on Bat Wings
Back-lit photographs of wings of White-nose Syndrome (WNS)-positive little brown bats, one with subtle circular and irregular pale areas (arrows) indicating areas of fungal infection (A) and another bat (B) with areas of relatively normal tone and elasticity (black arrow), compared to a WNS affected area that looks like crumpled tissue paper with loss of elasticity,
Back-lit photographs of wings of White-nose Syndrome (WNS)-positive little brown bats, one with subtle circular and irregular pale areas (arrows) indicating areas of fungal infection (A) and another bat (B) with areas of relatively normal tone and elasticity (black arrow), compared to a WNS affected area that looks like crumpled tissue paper with loss of elasticity,
Examining the wing of a bat
Examining the wing of a bat. Montgomery County, TN. August 2012.
Examining the wing of a bat. Montgomery County, TN. August 2012.
Scientist taking environmental sample during WNS surveillance
Scientist taking environmental samples during white-nose syndrome surveillance activities. Lawrence County, OH. August 2012.
Scientist taking environmental samples during white-nose syndrome surveillance activities. Lawrence County, OH. August 2012.
Set up to capture bats for white-nose syndrome surveillance activities
Mist-net and harp trap set up to capture bats for white-nose syndrome surveillance activities. Breckinridge County, KY. July 2012.
Mist-net and harp trap set up to capture bats for white-nose syndrome surveillance activities. Breckinridge County, KY. July 2012.
Scientist taking environmental samples during WNS surveillance
Scientist taking environmental samples during white-nose syndrome surveillance activities. Breckinridge County, IN. July 2012.
Scientist taking environmental samples during white-nose syndrome surveillance activities. Breckinridge County, IN. July 2012.
Examining the wing of a bat
Examining the wing of a bat. Monroe County, IN. July 2012.
Examining the wing of a bat. Monroe County, IN. July 2012.
Scientist taking a skin swab sample to test for presence of Pd
Scientist taking a skin swab sample to test for presence of Pd. Monroe County, IN. July 18, 2012.
Scientist taking a skin swab sample to test for presence of Pd. Monroe County, IN. July 18, 2012.
Fungal Growth on Petri Dish
Fungi growing from soil collected in a cave. Arrow points to Geomyces destuctans, the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome in bats.
Fungi growing from soil collected in a cave. Arrow points to Geomyces destuctans, the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome in bats.
Scientist at Bat Cave
USGS wildlife disease specialist Kim Miller outside of an abandoned mine where bats hibernate in NY.
By
USGS wildlife disease specialist Kim Miller outside of an abandoned mine where bats hibernate in NY.
By
Biologists in Massachusetts mine containing bats with WNS
USFWS and MA Division of F&W biologists in MA mine containing bats with WNS. 2008
USFWS and MA Division of F&W biologists in MA mine containing bats with WNS. 2008
Close up of water droplet covered hibernating bat in MA mine
Close up of water droplet covered hibernating bat in MA mine. 2008
Close up of water droplet covered hibernating bat in MA mine. 2008
Affected WNS bats in MA mine
Affected WNS bats in MA mine 2008.
Affected WNS bats in MA mine 2008.
Fungal covered items in NY mine (likely scat)
Fungal covered items in NY mine (likely scat). 2008.
Fungal covered items in NY mine (likely scat). 2008.
Below are FAQs about white-nose syndrome.
What is White-nose Syndrome?
White-nose syndrome is an emergent disease of hibernating bats that has spread from the northeastern to the central United States at an alarming rate. Since the winter of 2007-2008, millions of insect-eating bats in at least 40 states and eight Canadian provinces have died from this devastating disease. The disease is named for the white fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, that infects skin of...
Does White-nose Syndrome pose a risk to human health?
Thousands of people have visited affected caves and mines since White-nose Syndrome (WNS) was first observed, and there have been no reported human illnesses attributable to WNS. We are still learning about WNS, but we know of no risk to humans from contact with WNS-affected bats. However, we urge taking precautions and not exposing yourself to WNS. Biologists and researchers use protective...
What should cavers know and do in regard to White-nose Syndrome?
In response to White-nose Syndrome (WNS), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and individual states request that cavers observe all cave closures and advisories, and avoid caves, mines or passages containing hibernating bats to minimize disturbance to them. The Service asks that cavers and cave visitors stay out of all caves in the affected states and adjoining states to help slow the potential...
What should I do if I find dead or dying bats, or if I observe bats with signs of White-nose Syndrome?
If you find a dead or dying bat: Contact your state wildlife agency, file an electronic report in those states that offer this service, e-mail U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists in your area or contact your nearest Fish and Wildlife Service field office to report your potential White-nose Syndrome (WNS) observations. It is important to determine the species of bat in case it is a federally...
What species of bats are affected by White-nose Syndrome?
White-nose Syndrome mostly affects hibernating bats. More than half of the 47 bat species living in the United States and Canada hibernate to survive the winter. Twelve bat species, including two endangered species and one threatened species, have been confirmed with white-nose syndrome in North America. The causative fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans ( Pd), has been found on an additional six...
White-nose syndrome vaccine update and research on host protection mechanisms
Sixteen years after Pd, the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome in bats, was first recognized in New York, its range now extends to the Rocky Mountains, and it has been definitively detected in all but seven states (Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, and Utah). The National Wildlife Health Center and our partners continue to field test a WNS vaccine for wild bats and to research...
Field trials for testing of white-nose syndrome vaccine candidates
White-nose syndrome (WNS), caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), continues to decimate bat populations in North America, and efforts to develop treatment options have intensified. One potential method for controlling WNS is vaccination of bats with specific antigens to elicit a protective immune response.
White-Nose Syndrome Surveillance
The USGS National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) assists State, Federal, and Tribal wildlife agencies nationwide with early detection of Pseudogymnoascus destructans ( Pd), and addresses specific research priorities identified by partners in conjunction with the White-Nose Syndrome National Plan.
Below are images related to white-nose syndrome.
Filter Total Items: 34
Administering the white-nose syndrome vaccine to a bat
Administering the white-nose syndrome vaccine to a bat during a field trial.
Administering the white-nose syndrome vaccine to a bat during a field trial.
Bat receiving white-nose syndrome vaccine
A bat receiving the white-nose syndrome vaccine during a field trial to study vaccine efficacy.
A bat receiving the white-nose syndrome vaccine during a field trial to study vaccine efficacy.
Collecting a bat skin biopsy for white-nose syndrome surveillance
This video demonstrates the proper procedure for collecting a skin biopsy from a bat when conducting white-nose syndrome surveillance.
This video demonstrates the proper procedure for collecting a skin biopsy from a bat when conducting white-nose syndrome surveillance.
Approved euthanasia methods for bats (Microchiroptera)
This video shows the proper procedure for performing cervical dislocation on a bat with clinical signs of white-nose syndrome to be submitted to a diagnostic laboratory for evaluation.
This video shows the proper procedure for performing cervical dislocation on a bat with clinical signs of white-nose syndrome to be submitted to a diagnostic laboratory for evaluation.
Collecting a skin swab for white-nose syndrome surveillance
This video shows the proper technique for collecting a skin swab from a bat that is either roosting in place or is manually restrained for white-nose syndrome surveillance.
This video shows the proper technique for collecting a skin swab from a bat that is either roosting in place or is manually restrained for white-nose syndrome surveillance.
Environmental Sampling for White-Nose Syndrome Surveillance
Environmental samples collected in or near bat roosting locations can be used to supplement samples collected from bats for surveillance for white-nose syndrome (WNS) (https://www.usgs.gov/centers/nwhc/science/white-nose-syndrome).
Environmental samples collected in or near bat roosting locations can be used to supplement samples collected from bats for surveillance for white-nose syndrome (WNS) (https://www.usgs.gov/centers/nwhc/science/white-nose-syndrome).
UV Screening for Bat White-Nose Syndrome Surveillance
Long-wave ultraviolet (UV) light can be used to detect orange fluorescence associated with white-nose syndrome (https://www.usgs.gov/centers/nwhc/science/white-nose-syndrome-surveillance) on bat skin.
Long-wave ultraviolet (UV) light can be used to detect orange fluorescence associated with white-nose syndrome (https://www.usgs.gov/centers/nwhc/science/white-nose-syndrome-surveillance) on bat skin.
The Effects of Geomyces Destructans Infection on Bat Wings
Back-lit photographs of wings of White-nose Syndrome (WNS)-positive little brown bats, one with subtle circular and irregular pale areas (arrows) indicating areas of fungal infection (A) and another bat (B) with areas of relatively normal tone and elasticity (black arrow), compared to a WNS affected area that looks like crumpled tissue paper with loss of elasticity,
Back-lit photographs of wings of White-nose Syndrome (WNS)-positive little brown bats, one with subtle circular and irregular pale areas (arrows) indicating areas of fungal infection (A) and another bat (B) with areas of relatively normal tone and elasticity (black arrow), compared to a WNS affected area that looks like crumpled tissue paper with loss of elasticity,
Examining the wing of a bat
Examining the wing of a bat. Montgomery County, TN. August 2012.
Examining the wing of a bat. Montgomery County, TN. August 2012.
Scientist taking environmental sample during WNS surveillance
Scientist taking environmental samples during white-nose syndrome surveillance activities. Lawrence County, OH. August 2012.
Scientist taking environmental samples during white-nose syndrome surveillance activities. Lawrence County, OH. August 2012.
Set up to capture bats for white-nose syndrome surveillance activities
Mist-net and harp trap set up to capture bats for white-nose syndrome surveillance activities. Breckinridge County, KY. July 2012.
Mist-net and harp trap set up to capture bats for white-nose syndrome surveillance activities. Breckinridge County, KY. July 2012.
Scientist taking environmental samples during WNS surveillance
Scientist taking environmental samples during white-nose syndrome surveillance activities. Breckinridge County, IN. July 2012.
Scientist taking environmental samples during white-nose syndrome surveillance activities. Breckinridge County, IN. July 2012.
Examining the wing of a bat
Examining the wing of a bat. Monroe County, IN. July 2012.
Examining the wing of a bat. Monroe County, IN. July 2012.
Scientist taking a skin swab sample to test for presence of Pd
Scientist taking a skin swab sample to test for presence of Pd. Monroe County, IN. July 18, 2012.
Scientist taking a skin swab sample to test for presence of Pd. Monroe County, IN. July 18, 2012.
Fungal Growth on Petri Dish
Fungi growing from soil collected in a cave. Arrow points to Geomyces destuctans, the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome in bats.
Fungi growing from soil collected in a cave. Arrow points to Geomyces destuctans, the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome in bats.
Scientist at Bat Cave
USGS wildlife disease specialist Kim Miller outside of an abandoned mine where bats hibernate in NY.
By
USGS wildlife disease specialist Kim Miller outside of an abandoned mine where bats hibernate in NY.
By
Biologists in Massachusetts mine containing bats with WNS
USFWS and MA Division of F&W biologists in MA mine containing bats with WNS. 2008
USFWS and MA Division of F&W biologists in MA mine containing bats with WNS. 2008
Close up of water droplet covered hibernating bat in MA mine
Close up of water droplet covered hibernating bat in MA mine. 2008
Close up of water droplet covered hibernating bat in MA mine. 2008
Affected WNS bats in MA mine
Affected WNS bats in MA mine 2008.
Affected WNS bats in MA mine 2008.
Fungal covered items in NY mine (likely scat)
Fungal covered items in NY mine (likely scat). 2008.
Fungal covered items in NY mine (likely scat). 2008.
Below are FAQs about white-nose syndrome.
What is White-nose Syndrome?
White-nose syndrome is an emergent disease of hibernating bats that has spread from the northeastern to the central United States at an alarming rate. Since the winter of 2007-2008, millions of insect-eating bats in at least 40 states and eight Canadian provinces have died from this devastating disease. The disease is named for the white fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, that infects skin of...
Does White-nose Syndrome pose a risk to human health?
Thousands of people have visited affected caves and mines since White-nose Syndrome (WNS) was first observed, and there have been no reported human illnesses attributable to WNS. We are still learning about WNS, but we know of no risk to humans from contact with WNS-affected bats. However, we urge taking precautions and not exposing yourself to WNS. Biologists and researchers use protective...
What should cavers know and do in regard to White-nose Syndrome?
In response to White-nose Syndrome (WNS), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and individual states request that cavers observe all cave closures and advisories, and avoid caves, mines or passages containing hibernating bats to minimize disturbance to them. The Service asks that cavers and cave visitors stay out of all caves in the affected states and adjoining states to help slow the potential...
What should I do if I find dead or dying bats, or if I observe bats with signs of White-nose Syndrome?
If you find a dead or dying bat: Contact your state wildlife agency, file an electronic report in those states that offer this service, e-mail U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists in your area or contact your nearest Fish and Wildlife Service field office to report your potential White-nose Syndrome (WNS) observations. It is important to determine the species of bat in case it is a federally...
What species of bats are affected by White-nose Syndrome?
White-nose Syndrome mostly affects hibernating bats. More than half of the 47 bat species living in the United States and Canada hibernate to survive the winter. Twelve bat species, including two endangered species and one threatened species, have been confirmed with white-nose syndrome in North America. The causative fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans ( Pd), has been found on an additional six...