fungal infection killing bats

[ashgale]

just found an article about a fungal infection that is killing colonies of bats (mostly in the US)
white nose syndrome has been found to be caused by the aptly named Geomyces destructans,
the article is on the wildlifeextra.com website for anyone interested in this,

is there no place that fungal activity does not occur ?

ashgale.

[fairplay]

Originally Posted by ashgale

just found an article about a fungal infection that is killing colonies of bats (mostly in the US)
white nose syndrome has been found to be caused by the aptly named Geomyces destructans,
the article is on the wildlifeextra.com website for anyone interested in this,

is there no place that fungal activity does not occur ?

ashgale.

The Herbarium at Kew ? If there was, the whole herbarium would be at risk.
Sad about the Bats, is it nature or man's interference ?

Neil.

[The Woodman]

Also, faq's about white nose sydrome on the Bat Conservation Trust's website here..Frequently asked questions - Bat Conservation Trust

[Dogghound]

Is there any truth in the theory that this actually came from Europe and spread to America.

[The Woodman]

I've never heard that Dan. I did see quite a lot of hibernating animals infected with what was thought to be WNS in Poland earlier this year. Samples were taken and I'll find out if it was next month when I go back.

[Dogghound]

I will try and find the source, I remember reading it. It was claimed that European bats show higher levels of resistance to it in comparison to American bats, leading to the suggestion that they have been historically exposed to it.