- Hello Jeff - The Promed moderator seems to feel that
since the bat was not dead and was found alive that this may signal the
waning of White Nose Syndrome. It is possible that the bat was discovered
early in the infection cycle and due to enhanced monitoring WNS is identified
quickly in this case. The fact that it has now hit a bat species that
is found in western states from Oklahoma to California, we are likely seeing
a widening of the outbreak. White Nose Syndrome has not slowed down in
the Northeast and we are still losing 90-99% of existing bats.
-
- The cave myotis velifer is also found in Mexico. If
this species carries WNS into Mexico we could see a major loss of many
bat species and White Nose Syndrome may then spread into Central and South
America.
-
- Time will tell.
-
- Patty
-
- WHITE NOSE SYNDROME, BATS - USA (OKLAHOMA)
-
- Date: Wed 19 May 2010
- Source: Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation,
US Fish and
- Wildlife Service news release [edited]
- http://www.fws.gov/southwest/docs/BatOklaNR052110.pdf?news
- Id=BB2196B4-C3D5-8B0B-9460E82B80AB9EE4
-
-
- Bat fungus documented in Oklahoma
-
- Laboratory tests performed at the US Geological Survey
National Health Center in Madison Wisconsin have confirmed that a
cave myotis (_Myotis velifer_) bat collected alive on 3 May 2010
from a cave in northwest Oklahoma has tested positive for the fungus
_Geomyces destructans_. This fungus is associated with a condition
known as "white nose syndrome", which appears to be specific
to some species of hibernating bats and was first observed in 4 caves
in New York during the winter of 2006.
-
- Bats with white nose syndrome (WNS) have noticeable white
fungus growing on their skin, particularly on their noses and other
bare surfaces including their wings. White nose syndrome frequently
results in the deaths of the infected bats. Biologists continue to
study the bat specimens to determine if all bats that come into contact
with the fungus will develop the disease. There have been no reported
human illnesses attributed to the fungus or to white nose syndrome,
and there is no evidence to suggest that the syndrome is harmful
to organisms other than bats.
-
- Although genetic tests indicate that the bat was harboring
the fungus, the pattern of infection was not consistent with the
white nose syndrome infection observed in bats in the eastern United
States. There also has not been a mortality event attributable to
white nose syndrome in Oklahoma to date. Both the Oklahoma Department
of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) and the US Fish and Wildlife Service
(FWS) are concerned about the potential development of white nose
syndrome in Oklahoma in the near future. The ODWC and FWS's Oklahoma
Ecological Services Field Office anticipate working in partnership
with other federal and state agencies, researchers and conservation
partners to monitor other Oklahoma caves and bat populations for the
fungus and signs of white nose syndrome.
-
- This finding is the 1st record of the fungus in Oklahoma
and represents the most western report to date. The next closest
known report of the fungus occurred in eastern Missouri earlier this
year [2010]. To date, all of the white nose syndrome cases have been
east of the Mississippi River. This finding also represents the 1st
discovery of the fungus in a bat species that does not occur in the
eastern United States. The range of the cave myotis extends from
western Oklahoma and Texas west and south into New Mexico, Arizona,
California, and Mexico.
-
- The potential impact of white nose syndrome is considered
to be significant due to the highly beneficial ecological and economic
roles played by bats. Bats consume mosquitoes, moths, and other night-flying
insects including species that cause extensive forest and agricultural
damage. Additionally, bat guano provides essential nutrients to many
otherwise nutrient-limited cave environments where other animals
live.
-
- Currently, white nose syndrome is believed to be transmitted
primarily through bat-to-bat contact. However, it is possible that
the fungus could be transmitted by humans who enter caves and carry
the fungus on their shoes, gear, and clothing. Within the past 4
years, white nose syndrome has been documented in 11 states and 2
Canadian provinces and is considered likely in 2 additional states
where the fungus has been found.
-
- For more information about white nose syndrome, including
information about ongoing research, recommended decontamination procedures
for caving gear and clothing, and answers to frequently asked questions,
please visit the Service's white nose syndrome national website at http://www.fws.gov/WhiteNoseSyndrome>.
-
- --
- Communicated by:
- Dixie L Birch, PhD
- Field Supervisor/Project Leader
- Oklahoma Ecological Services Field Office
- 9014 E. 21st Street
- Tulsa, OK 74129
- dixie_birch@fws.gov
-
- A picture of a cave myotis may be seen at
- http://cabezaprieta.org/mammal_page.php?id=2085
-
- These bats have a diverse range from southern California,
to Missouri, but are only found seasonally in Texas. Although they
are found in a broad area, it is not a continuous pattern of coverage,
but rather, large pockets of population throughout this region.
-
- This is an interesting post, as it has not yet resulted
in bat mortality. Hopefully this heralds a moment when the disease
has begun to wane. If there are reports of mortality of the bats
we would appreciate a notification. - Mod.TG]
-
- The state of Oklahoma in the south central region of
the US can be located on the HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map
at http://healthmap.org/r/01hn>. - Sr.Tech.Ed.MJ
-
- Patricia A. Doyle DVM, PhD Bus Admin, Tropical Agricultural
Economics Univ of West Indies Please visit my "Emerging Diseases"
message board at: http://www.emergingdisease.org/phpbb/index.php Also
my new website http://drpdoyle.tripod.com/ Zhan le Devlesa tai
sastimasa Go with God and in Good Health
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