Bat Conservation: White-nose Syndrome and Disease Management

White-nose syndrome has killed millions of North American bats. Understanding the disease and current management efforts helps advocates support conservation work effectively.

Key Facts

White-nose syndrome (WNS) is caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd)
Pd originated in Europe but North American bats have little immunity to it, resulting in catastrophic mortality
WNS has killed an estimated 5.7-6.7 million bats in North America since 2006
Probiotic skin treatments and volatile antifungal compounds are being researched as potential interventions
North American cave-hibernating bats are the most vulnerable — some species have declined by 90%+
European bat species survive Pd exposure because they co-evolved with the fungus over thousands of years

Welfare Considerations

WNS causes horrific suffering in affected bats — the fungus disrupts hibernation, causing bats to rouse repeatedly and deplete fat reserves, leading to starvation before spring. Affected bats may emerge during winter showing visible illness and disorientation before dying. The scale of mortality represents an incalculable amount of suffering across millions of individuals, and the ecosystem impacts of losing insectivorous bat populations affect countless other species. Conservation and disease management efforts directly reduce ongoing suffering at enormous scale.

What You Can Do

Support Bat Conservation International and White-nose Syndrome Response Team research and management programs
Follow cave-visit protocols including decontamination of equipment to prevent spreading Pd to unaffected areas
Participate in bat monitoring programs to help track WNS spread and population responses
Donate to research into probiotic and antifungal treatment approaches for WNS
Support habitat protection for bats outside caves including summer roost sites and foraging habitat
Advocate for federal and state funding for WNS response programs in affected countries