White-nose syndrome has killed millions of North American bats, causing prolonged suffering during hibernation and threatening multiple bat species with extinction.
Bats dying from white-nose syndrome experience a prolonged, progressive illness as fungal infection disrupts hibernation, causing them to burn through fat reserves and arouse repeatedly during winter when no food is available. Affected bats die from starvation and exhaustion. This represents massive individual animal suffering on a scale of millions of animals. Supporting treatment research and habitat protection reduces ongoing suffering.