Research
Biologists are investigating the geographic extent of the outbreaks and collecting samples of affected bats. Bucknell University professor DeeAnn Reeder, one of the foremost experts on White-Nose Syndrome, expects it will continue to spread across the United States, and drive some species to extinction. "While a number of researchers from multiple academic disciplines are now working on WNS research, and while we are beginning to understand how this fungus (Geomyces destructans) is killing bats, we are really struggling in our attempts to control the spread," Reeder said. A geographic database is being developed to track the location of sites where WNS has been found, collecting information at each site in regards to the number of bats affected.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is also partnering with the Northeastern Cave Conservancy to track movements of cavers that have visited affected sites in New York. It has also advised closing caves to explorers in 20 states, from the Midwest to New England. This directive will soon be extended to 13 southern states. As one Virginia scientist stated, "If it gets into caves more to our south, in places like Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia and Alabama, we’re going to be talking deaths in the millions.". In March 2012, WNS was discovered on some tri-color bats (Perimyotis subflavus) in Russell Cave in Jackson County Alabama.
Recent research has found that the fungus may respond to typical human anti-fungal treatments. More studies are being undertaken to determine how best to use this knowledge.
Read more about this topic: White Nose Syndrome
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