White-Nose Syndrome
In the winter of 2006, a white fungus was found on some dying or dead bats in New York, and was blamed for the deaths of thousands of bats. The phenomonon has been named "white-nose syndrome" (WNS), and has become a priority to researchers and conservationists in the last few years.
WBWG White-nose Syndrome Contacts:
Pat Ormsbee e-mail
Toni Piaggio e-mail
*New* WNS Outreach Materials
White-Nose Syndrome and Abandoned Mine Lands Subcommittee
WNS News
July 14, 2010: The Bat Grid White-Nose Syndrome Decontamination Protocol
July 14, 2010: The USFWS White-Nose Syndrome Decontamination Protocols for Researchers (Microsoft Word Format)
July 14, 2010: WBWG White-nose Syndrome Outreach Materials (brochures and signs)
Letter to WAFWA Directors from WBWG
WBWG WNS Brochure
WBWG WNS Prevention Protocol
White-nose Syndrome Testimony before two House Subcommittees. June 4, 2009. Video at Committee of Natural Resources Website.
WBWG Recommendations for addressing WNS:
Under review: Recommendations from the Western Bat Working Group for addressing White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) in western North America
Under review: WBWG Rationale for Recommendations for Addressing WNS in Western North America.
Controlling the Spread of WNS
USFWS Recommended procedures to prevent the possible spread of white-nose syndrome
USGS Wildlife Health Bulletin - November 10, 2008. Description of Fungus Associated with White-Nose Syndrome
White-Nose Rapid Response Fund. Click here for more info.
Strategic Plans & Meetings:
Science Strategy Meeting - June 10, 2008 - Albany, NY
Links:
USGS
Bat Conservation International
National Speleological Society - White-Nose Syndrome Page
US Fish and Wildlife Service (Northeast Region)
Media Links:
Comcast.net News: Forest Service closes caves to stop bat fungus
West Virginia Public Broadcasting: White nose syndrome suspected in WV bats(02/05/2009)
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:White nose symdrome now threatening Pennsylvania bats(01/27/2009)
National Public Radio:Experts Identify Fungus Suspected in Bat Die-Off(10/31/2008)
Science Magazine: Bat White-Nose Syndrome: An Emerging Fungal Pathogen?
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Press Release (01/30/2008)
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department Press Release
CBS
News Report (01/30/2008)