Fungus-encrusted bats are spreading deadly disease – and humans can disperse spores
How humans could potentially be spreading deadly fungus to bats
- A deadly fungus causing white-nose syndrome has been detected in bats at San Juan Island National Historical Park in Washington state.
- Three Yuma Myotis bats tested positive for Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the fungus responsible for the disease, marking the first documented case in San Juan County.
- The syndrome, which appears as white fuzz on bats and leads to dehydration and death, has killed millions of bats across North America since 2006, severely impacting populations.
- While primarily spread through bat-to-bat contact and not harmful to humans, people can inadvertently spread the fungus via spores on clothing and shoes.
- Park officials urge visitors not to touch bats and to decontaminate gear after visiting bat habitats to prevent further spread, highlighting bats' crucial role in ecosystems.