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
WNS News
Letter to WAFWA Directors from WBWG
WBWG WNS Brochure
WBWG WNS Prevention Protocol
White-nose Syndrome Testimony before two House Subcommittees. June 4, 2009. AP Article here.
WBWG Recommendations for addressing WNS:
WBWG WNS Brochure
WBWG WNS Prevention Protocol
Recommendations from the Western Bat Working Group for addressing White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) in western North America
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)