White-nose syndrome has killed millions of North American bats, devastating the insect control services they provide.
White-nose syndrome causes bats to arouse repeatedly from hibernation, burning critical fat reserves before winter ends. Affected bats emerge prematurely in cold weather and starve. The suffering of individual bats includes cold exposure, starvation, and immune-mediated tissue damage from the fungal infection. Millions of bats have died slow, distressing deaths over six months of hibernation disruption. Cave closures to prevent human-facilitated fungal spread are critical. A probiotic treatment using Rhodotorula mucilaginosa bacteria shows promise in reducing mortality.