Is white-nose syndrome in the UK?

The fungus that causes white-nose syndrome (WNS), Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) (previously called Geomyces destructans), has been identified on a number of bats in at least 17 European countries, including the UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and most recently in Italy and …

Is white-nose syndrome a pandemic?

A fungal disease has wiped out bats throughout North America, but hopeful research suggests one species may be developing resistance to this pandemic. A little brown bat displaying characteristic signs of white-nose syndrome, caused by a pathogenic fungus that has devastated bats throughout much of North America.

What does it mean if a bat has a white-nose?

White-nose syndrome is a disease that affects hibernating bats and is caused by an invasive, cold-loving fungus. The fungus grows on bats’ skin, disturbing their hibernation and resulting in dehydration, starvation and often death.

How does Pseudogymnoascus Destructans reproduce?

destructans is a psychrophilic fungus, able to grow below 10 °C (50 °F) and with an upper limit near 20 °C (68 °F). This fungus produces brown and grey colonies, secretes a brownish pigment and reproduces asexually via characteristically curved conidia when cultured on Sabaouraud dextrose agar.

What are threats to bats?

Across the U.S., bats face many different threats. The devastating disease called white-nose syndrome, windmill turbines, habitat loss, and climate change have caused large numbers of bats to die.

How serious is white-nose syndrome?

White-nose syndrome has killed over 90% of northern long-eared, little brown and tri-colored bat populations in fewer than 10 years, according to a new study published in Conservation Biology. Researchers also noted declines in Indiana bat and big brown bat populations.

How can you tell if a bat has white-nose syndrome?

Not all bats that have Pd on them become sick. Several species, in fact, have been found with Pd but have not been affected. For those that do get sick, scientists confirm white-nose syndrome by looking at skin under a microscope. Bats with white-nose syndrome have small pockets in their skin caused by Pd infection.

Can white-nose syndrome affect humans?

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.