Wildlife

Wild Bat Population: White-Nose Syndrome Advance and Welfare

White-nose syndrome, caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans, threatens UK bat populations following North American catastrophe.

Key Facts

White-nose syndrome killed over 90% of some North American bat species after its 2006 emergence
Pd fungus was confirmed in British bats in 2018 but mass mortality has not yet occurred in UK
UK bat immune response may differ from North American species providing partial protection
Biosecurity at bat roost surveys is essential to prevent spore spread between sites

Welfare Considerations

White-nose disease causes bats to wake from hibernation repeatedly, burning critical fat reserves, leading to starvation and death from exposure. The North American epidemic demonstrates catastrophic welfare potential. Preventive biosecurity at survey sites and roost work is essential to limit spread.

What You Can Do

Decontaminate cave and roost survey equipment between sites using approved protocols
Support Bat Conservation Trust monitoring of white-nose syndrome spread in UK bats
Report any bat mortality events promptly to Bat Conservation Trust and APHA