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Disease killing bats: People can hurt and help


Bat with white-nose syndrome (WNS).
Bat with white-nose syndrome (WNS).
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This Memorial Day weekend, people going outdoors are encouraged to help fight the spread of white-nose syndrome and save bats in the Pacific Northwest.

White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a fungal disease that has devastated bat populations in eastern North America, killing an estimated six million bats since 2006. In March 2016, Washington's first case of WNS was confirmed 30 miles east of Seattle.

"Once it's spread into an area, it spreads and very quickly," Colin Gillin with Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife said. "If they've been to Washington caves or caves back east, they can easily bring it into the state."

WNS is primarily spread by bat-to-bat contact. Pets, other animals, and humans and their equipment -- including clothing, footwear, and gear -- can transfer spores of the fungus to new locations. The disease is not known to pose a threat to humans, pets, or other animal species.

"We've tested about 600 bats so far and have not come up (with) any positive cases," Gillin said of testing performed in Oregon. "Every single county in Oregon has bats."

Gillin says bats play an important role in a healthy environment and economy, eating tons of crop and forest pests and saving farmers billions of dollars each year. They help regulate the insect population by consuming their body-weight in insects every night.

"If we lose a significant portion of our bats, or most of our cave bats to this disease, we will see some impact," he said.

To avoid the spread of WNS, federal land management and state wildlife agencies ask that visitors to bat-friendly locations such as caves, rock cliffs, buildings, talus areas, talus caverns, mines, or human-made structures follow these important recommendations:

  • Whenever possible, avoid disturbing bats and entering areas where bats may be living. This includes abandoned mines, caves, and abandoned buildings and structures.
  • Do not handle bats, as they have reduced energy and fat stores in the spring following a lengthy hibernation. Some bats can carry the rabies virus, a deadly disease carried by less than 1% of Pacific Northwest bats.
  • Prohibit dogs from accessing areas where bats may be roosting.
  • People who come into contact with areas where bats live should follow these steps to keep from spreading the WNS fungus.
  • Clean shoes and clothing of any dirt or mud before entering and after exiting a cave or climbing area, and change into clean clothing and shoes before entering a vehicle to leave.
  • Wear different footwear at each visit to a cave or climbing area, unless completely cleaned after each visit.
  • Wash hands and exposed skin after each visit to a cave or climbing area.
  • Wash clothing, hats, gear, and shoes worn in caves in hot, soapy water at 131F (55C) or hotter for at least 20 minutes. Clean equipment that cannot be washed with alcohol wipes if the wipes will not damage the equipment.

Report sick, injured, and dead bats, or groups of bats. In Washington, report such findings to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. In Oregon, report to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife or call the ODFW toll free line at 866-968-2600. Additional resources and information may be found here.

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