Little brown bat with wing damage in Vermont 2008.
White-Nose Syndrome Active
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
Below are images related to white-nose syndrome.
Little brown bat with wing damage in Vermont 2008.
Cluster of little brown bats in crevice outside a cave in Vermont. 2008
Cluster of little brown bats in crevice outside a cave in Vermont. 2008
Dead bats at a cave entrance in Vermont. 2008.
Dead bats at a cave entrance in Vermont. 2008.
Biologist entering the entrance of a cave containing bats with white-nose syndrome in Vermont. 2008.
Biologist entering the entrance of a cave containing bats with white-nose syndrome in Vermont. 2008.
Bat clusters near the entrance of a Vermont cave. 2008.
Bat clusters near the entrance of a Vermont cave. 2008.
Biologist navigating large rocks inside a Vermont cave. 2008.
Biologist navigating large rocks inside a Vermont cave. 2008.
Bats in torpor with water droplets on their fur (condensation on the bats indicates that they are at ambient temperature; they have lowered their body temperature down about even with cave temperature). 2008.
Bats in torpor with water droplets on their fur (condensation on the bats indicates that they are at ambient temperature; they have lowered their body temperature down about even with cave temperature). 2008.
Close up of hibernating bats in a Vermont cave 2008.
Close up of hibernating bats in a Vermont cave 2008.
Hibernating bats in a Vermont cave. 2008.
Hibernating bats in a Vermont cave. 2008.
Close up of wing damage on a Little Brown bat in Vermont. 2008.
Close up of wing damage on a Little Brown bat in Vermont. 2008.
Hibernating bats on wall of a cave in Vermont. 2008.
Hibernating bats on wall of a cave in Vermont. 2008.
USGS scientists conducting necropsy on bats (Dr. David Blehert on right) at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center.
USGS scientists conducting necropsy on bats (Dr. David Blehert on right) at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center.
Bats showing signs of infections with Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome.
Bats showing signs of infections with Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome.
Below are publications about white-nose syndrome.
White-nose syndrome in North American bats - U.S. Geological Survey updates
Skin fungal assemblages of bats vary based on susceptibility to white-nose syndrome
Identifying research needs to inform white-nose syndrome management decisions
Long-term survival of Pseudogymnoascus destructans at elevated temperatures
Investigating maternity roost selection by northern long-eared bats at three sites in Wisconsin
Virally-vectored vaccine candidates against white-nose syndrome induce anti-fungal immune response in little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus)
Experimental infection of Tadarida brasiliensis with Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome
U.S. Geological Survey response to white-nose syndrome in bats
Determinants of Pseudogymnoascus destructans within bat hibernacula: Implications for surveillance and management of white-nose syndrome
Phylogenetics of a fungal invasion: Origins and widespread dispersal of white-nose syndrome
Dispersal hazards of Pseudogymnoascus destructans by bats and human activity at hibernacula in summer
Datasheet: Pseudogymnoascus destructans (white-nose syndrome fungus)
Geomyces and Pseudogymnoascus: Emergence of a primary pathogen, the causative agent of bat white-nose syndrome
Below are news stories about white-nose syndrome.
Below are FAQs about white-nose syndrome.
- Overview
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
- Science
- Multimedia
Below are images related to white-nose syndrome.
Filter Total Items: 34Little brown bat with wing damage in VermontLittle brown bat with wing damage in Vermont 2008.
Little brown bat with wing damage in Vermont 2008.
Cluster of little brown bats in crevice outside a cave in VermontCluster of little brown bats in crevice outside a cave in VermontCluster of little brown bats in crevice outside a cave in Vermont. 2008
Cluster of little brown bats in crevice outside a cave in Vermont. 2008
Dead bats at a cave entrance in VermontDead bats at a cave entrance in Vermont. 2008.
Dead bats at a cave entrance in Vermont. 2008.
Biologist entering the entrance of a cave containing bats with WNSBiologist entering the entrance of a cave containing bats with WNSBiologist entering the entrance of a cave containing bats with white-nose syndrome in Vermont. 2008.
Biologist entering the entrance of a cave containing bats with white-nose syndrome in Vermont. 2008.
Bat clusters near the entrance of a Vermont caveBat clusters near the entrance of a Vermont cave. 2008.
Bat clusters near the entrance of a Vermont cave. 2008.
Biologist navigating large rocks inside a Vermont caveBiologist navigating large rocks inside a Vermont caveBiologist navigating large rocks inside a Vermont cave. 2008.
Biologist navigating large rocks inside a Vermont cave. 2008.
Bats in torpor with water droplets on their furBats in torpor with water droplets on their fur (condensation on the bats indicates that they are at ambient temperature; they have lowered their body temperature down about even with cave temperature). 2008.
Bats in torpor with water droplets on their fur (condensation on the bats indicates that they are at ambient temperature; they have lowered their body temperature down about even with cave temperature). 2008.
Close up of hibernating bats in a Vermont caveClose up of hibernating bats in a Vermont cave 2008.
Close up of hibernating bats in a Vermont cave 2008.
Hibernating bats in a Vermont caveHibernating bats in a Vermont cave. 2008.
Hibernating bats in a Vermont cave. 2008.
Close up of wing damage on a Little Brown bat in VermontClose up of wing damage on a Little Brown bat in VermontClose up of wing damage on a Little Brown bat in Vermont. 2008.
Close up of wing damage on a Little Brown bat in Vermont. 2008.
Hibernating bats on wall of a cave in VermontHibernating bats on wall of a cave in Vermont. 2008.
Hibernating bats on wall of a cave in Vermont. 2008.
Bat NecropsyUSGS scientists conducting necropsy on bats (Dr. David Blehert on right) at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center.
ByUSGS scientists conducting necropsy on bats (Dr. David Blehert on right) at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center.
ByHibernating Bats with White-nose SyndromeBats showing signs of infections with Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome.
Bats showing signs of infections with Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome.
- Publications
Below are publications about white-nose syndrome.
White-nose syndrome in North American bats - U.S. Geological Survey updates
White-nose syndrome is a devastating wildlife disease that has killed millions of hibernating bats. This disease first appeared in New York during 2007 and has continued to spread at an alarming rate from the northeastern to the central United States and throughout eastern Canada. The disease is named for the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans, which often appears white when it infects the skin oAuthorsEmily W. Lankau, Gail Moede RogallFilter Total Items: 58Skin fungal assemblages of bats vary based on susceptibility to white-nose syndrome
Microbial skin assemblages, including fungal communities, can influence host resistance to infectious diseases. The diversity-invasibility hypothesis predicts that high-diversity communities are less easily invaded than species-poor communities, and thus diverse microbial communities may prevent pathogens from colonizing a host. To explore the hypothesis that host fungal communities mediate resistAuthorsKaren J Vanderwolf, Lewis Campbell, Tony L. Goldberg, David S. Blehert, Jeffrey M. LorchIdentifying research needs to inform white-nose syndrome management decisions
Ecological understanding of host–pathogen dynamics is the basis for managing wildlife diseases. Since 2008, federal, state, and provincial agencies and tribal and private organizations have collaborated on bat and white‐nose syndrome (WNS) surveillance and monitoring, research, and management programs. Accordingly, scientists and managers have learned a lot about the hosts, pathogen, and dynamicsAuthorsRiley Bernard, Jonathan D. Reichard, Jeremy T. H. Coleman, Julie C. Blackwood, Michelle L. Verant, Jordi Segers, Jeffery M. Lorch, John Paul White, M.S. Moore, Amy L. Russell, Rachel A. Katz, Daniel L. Linder, Rick S. Toomey, Gregory G. Turner, Winifred F. Frick, Maarten J. Vonhof, Craig K. R. Willis, Evan H. Campbell GrantLong-term survival of Pseudogymnoascus destructans at elevated temperatures
White-nose syndrome is an emerging fungal disease that has devastated hibernating bat populations across eastern North America. The causal pathogen, Pseudogymnoascus destructans (PD), is a psychrophilic fungus with a known maximal growth temperature of 20 C. Although it is widely speculated that PD is primarily spread between hibernacula by the movement of bats, experimental evidence is lacking toAuthorsLewis Campbell, Daniel P. Walsh, David S. Blehert, Jeffrey M. LorchInvestigating maternity roost selection by northern long-eared bats at three sites in Wisconsin
One of the North American bat species most impacted by white-nose syndrome (WNS) is the northern long-eared bat Myotis septentrionalis, which as a result has been listed under the Endangered Species Act. WNS was first detected in Wisconsin in 2014. Unfortunately, little is known regarding the ecology of M. septentrionalis in this state pre-WNS to guide management supporting post-WNS recovery efforAuthorsBrenna A. Hyzy, Robin E. Russell, Alex Silvis, W. Mark Ford, Jason Riddle, Kevin RussellVirally-vectored vaccine candidates against white-nose syndrome induce anti-fungal immune response in little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus)
White-nose syndrome (WNS) caused by the fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) has killed millions of North American hibernating bats. Currently, methods to prevent the disease are limited. We conducted two trials to assess potential WNS vaccine candidates in wild-caught Myotis lucifugus. In a pilot study, we immunized bats with one of four vaccine treatments or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)AuthorsTonie E. Rocke, Brock Kingstad-Bakke, Marcel Wuthrich, Ben Stading, Rachel C. Abbott, Marcos Isidoro Ayza, Hannah E. Dobson, Lucas dos Santos Dias, Kevin Galles, Julia S. Lankton, Elizabeth Falendysz, Jeffrey M. Lorch, J. Scott Fites, Jaime Lopera-Madrid, Bruce Klein, Jorge E. Osorio, J. Paul WhiteExperimental infection of Tadarida brasiliensis with Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome
White-nose syndrome (WNS) is causing significant declines in populations of North American hibernating bats, and recent western and southern expansions of the disease have placed additional species at risk. Understanding differences in species susceptibility and identifying management actions to reduce mortality of bats from WNS are top research priorities. However, the use of wild-caught susceptiAuthorsMichelle Verant, Carol U. Meteyer, Benjamin Stading, David S. BlehertU.S. Geological Survey response to white-nose syndrome in bats
OverviewSince its discovery in 2007, the fungal disease known as white-nose syndrome (WNS) has killed more than six million bats. Ten of 47 bat species have been affected by WNS across 32 States and 5 Canadian Provinces. The cold-growing fungus (Pseudogymnoascus destructans) that causes WNS infects skin covering the muzzle, ears, and wings of hibernating bats. The fungus erodes deep into the vitalAuthorsM. Camille Hopkins, Suzanna C. SoileauDeterminants of Pseudogymnoascus destructans within bat hibernacula: Implications for surveillance and management of white-nose syndrome
Fungal diseases are an emerging global problem affecting human health, food security and biodiversity. Ability of many fungal pathogens to persist within environmental reservoirs can increase extinction risks for host species and presents challenges for disease control. Understanding factors that regulate pathogen spread and persistence in these reservoirs is critical for effective disease managemAuthorsMichelle L. Verant, Elizabeth A. Bohuski, Katherine L. D. Richgels, Kevin J. Olival, Jonathan H. Epstein, David S. BlehertPhylogenetics of a fungal invasion: Origins and widespread dispersal of white-nose syndrome
Globalization has facilitated the worldwide movement and introduction of pathogens, but epizoological reconstructions of these invasions are often hindered by limited sampling and insufficient genetic resolution among isolates. Pseudogymnoascus destructans, a fungal pathogen causing the epizootic of white-nose syndrome in North American bats, has exhibited few genetic polymorphisms in previous stuAuthorsKevin P. Drees, Jeffrey M. Lorch, Sebastein J. Puechmaille, Katy L. Parise, Gudrun Wibbelt, Joseph R. Hoyt, Keping Sun, Ariunbold Jargalsaikhan, Munkhnast Dalannast, Jonathan M. Palmer, Daniel L. Linder, Marm Kilpatrick, Talima Pearson, Paul S. Keim, David S. Blehert, Jeffrey T. FosterDispersal hazards of Pseudogymnoascus destructans by bats and human activity at hibernacula in summer
Bats occupying hibernacula during summer are exposed to Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), the causative agent of white-nose syndrome (WNS), and may contribute to its dispersal. Furthermore, equipment and clothing exposed to cave environments are a potential source for human-assisted spread of Pd. To explore dispersal hazards for Pd during the nonhibernal season, we tested samples that were collecAuthorsAnne Ballmann, Miranda R. Torkelson, Elizabeth A. Bohuski, Robin E. Russell, David S. BlehertDatasheet: Pseudogymnoascus destructans (white-nose syndrome fungus)
Pseudogymnoascus destructans is a psychrophilic (cold-loving) fungus that causes white-nose syndrome (WNS), an emerging disease of North American bats that has caused unprecedented population declines. The fungus is believed to have been introduced to North America from Europe or Asia (where it is present but does not cause significant mortality), but the full extent of its native range is unknownAuthorsDavid S. Blehert, Emily W. LankauGeomyces and Pseudogymnoascus: Emergence of a primary pathogen, the causative agent of bat white-nose syndrome
Geomyces and Pseudogymnoascus (Fungi, Ascomycota, Leotiomycetes, aff. Thelebolales) are closely related groups of globally occurring soil-associated fungi. Recently, these genera of fungi have received attention because a newly identified species, Pseudogymnoascus (initially classified as Geomyces) destructans, was discovered in association with significant and unusual mortality of hibernating batAuthorsMichelle L. Verant, Andrew M. Minnis, Daniel L. Lindner, David S. Blehert - Web Tools
- News
Below are news stories about white-nose syndrome.
- FAQ
Below are FAQs about white-nose syndrome.