Wildlife

Wild Mammal: Bat White Nose Syndrome UK Risk

White nose syndrome, which has devastated North American bat populations, poses a potential threat to UK bats if the causative fungus crosses the Atlantic.

Key Facts

White nose syndrome (WNS) has killed an estimated 90% of some North American bat populations since 2006
WNS is caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans, which also occurs in European bats
European bats appear to have some tolerance to the fungus without developing the disease
The mechanism of tolerance in European bats versus susceptibility in North American bats is under investigation
Biosecurity measures at cave systems and colonial roost sites reduce risk of transmission

Welfare Considerations

White nose syndrome causes mass mortality through repeated arousal from torpor during winter hibernation, causing fatal energy depletion. European bats appear naturally tolerant but could act as vectors if international bat trade or cave exploration spreads strains to susceptible populations. UK bat welfare monitoring should include surveillance for unusual winter mortality at monitored roost sites.

What You Can Do

Support research into WNS biology and the mechanisms of European bat tolerance
Follow cave entry biosecurity protocols that reduce fungal transmission risk
Report unusual bat mortality at monitored roost sites to the Bat Conservation Trust
Support bat monitoring that would detect any WNS emergence in UK populations
Donate to BCT research and monitoring programmes for UK bat species