White-nose syndrome has killed over 90% of some North American bat species. This catastrophic disease represents both an ecological disaster and a large-scale animal welfare crisis.
White-nose syndrome causes bats to arouse repeatedly from hibernation, burning fat reserves needed for winter survival. Dying bats emerge in cold weather, flying weakly and falling to the ground, dying from cold exposure and starvation over days. This death by energy depletion is prolonged and distressing. The scale — millions of animals — makes this one of the largest wildlife disease welfare disasters in recorded history. Research into probiotic skin treatments and vaccines offers hope for reducing future suffering.