White-nose syndrome caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans has killed millions of North American bats, causing massive welfare harm through disrupted hibernation and starvation.
White-nose syndrome causes prolonged suffering in affected bats through repeated arousal from hibernation, dehydration, and gradual starvation over the winter months. Affected bats may be seen flying during winter in inappropriate cold conditions as depleted fat reserves force premature emergence. The scale of mortality represents an enormous welfare crisis in wild bat populations. Bats play critical ecological roles in insect control and pollination, meaning their decline also affects ecosystem health. The development of effective treatments represents both a conservation and animal welfare priority.