The fungus that causes white-nose syndrome in bats has been detected in Clatsop County. White-nose syndrome is an infection in bats caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans that disrupts hibernation, causing dehydration and starvation.

Samples analyzed by U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the presence of the fungus in guano collected from a bat roost at Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. This is the first documented case of the fungus in Oregon.

National Park Service biologists collected the sample as part of a federal and state multi-agency bat disease and surveillance effort in the Pacific Northwest coordinated by USGS. The sample was likely from a Yuma myotis (Myotis yumanensis), which migrate from winter roosts to maternity roosts in the spring. No bats in Oregon have been observed with signs of white-nose syndrome, however, bats can carry the fungal spores on their skin, groom themselves, and shed them briefly afterward in their feces or guano.

White-nose syndrome has killed millions of bats in North America since its detection in New York in 2007 and continues to spread. At least 40 states have detected the disease and five others have detected the fungus but no disease. The fungus spreads primarily through bat-to-bat contact during hibernation. White-nose syndrome does not cause illness in humans, but it can be spread by contaminated clothing, gear and equipment after recreating in or near caves.

Bats suffering from disease can have the fungus growing on their muzzle, ears and wings during hibernation, causing irritation and damage to the bat's skin. Bats with white-nose syndrome also wake up more frequently during hibernation and use up critical stored fat reserves faster than normal. The excessive energy expenditure and dehydration during winter in diseased bats can lead to starvation and death.

Since 2011, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and federal partner agencies (National Park Service, U.S. Geological Survey, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) have surveyed for the fungus and white-nose syndrome across the state with the assistance of wildlife rehabilitators, the Northwest Bat Hub and the Oregon Department of Health. Surveys are completed throughout the year in places where bats spend the winter, spring sites where they raise pups, and other roost sites.

ODFW Wildlife Health and Population Lab biologists and veterinarians along with federal scientists will identify additional sites for surveillance around the positive sample area this winter and are planning increased bat population monitoring across the state. Samples submitted by bat biologists are tested by the Oregon State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Corvallis and the USGS National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, WI.

The White-nose Syndrome Response Team is led by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and combines the knowledge and resources of experts across the continent to conserve bats and address the threat of white-nose syndrome through the implementation of a national response plan. Information on some of the treatment innovations developed by the response team to manage white-nose syndrome is available here: Preventing and treating white-nose syndrome.

Help Oregon's bats 

Bats play critical roles in maintaining balanced, healthy natural areas. The loss of these important species will have unknown cascading effects to the health of the species around them, including people. You can help protect Oregon's vulnerable bat populations by following guidelines to prevent the spread of white-nose syndrome.

Disinfect gear (including shoes) after recreating in or near any cave or other known roost before getting in your vehicle or leaving the site. Remove chunks of dirt and organic material first, then spray gear thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol (50-70%) and allow to dry. Or wipe all outer and sole surfaces with hydrogen peroxide or disinfecting wipes, according to the product label. More decontamination information and options are detailed at whitenosesyndrome.org.
Report unusual, sick or dead bats to ODFW's Health Lab using the online bat reporting website or call the health lab and leave a message at 866-968-2600. In the Pacific Northwest, white-nose syndrome-affected bats are reported as early as January returning to spring and summer roosts. Never touch or pick up a bat. Although white-nose syndrome does not cause illness in humans, a small percentage of bats can be infected with other dangerous diseases, such as rabies.
Rabies is a viral disease that is spread through saliva during a bite, scratch, or mucus membrane contact with an infected animal. Rabies is very preventable in humans with proper medical care given shortly after an exposure to the rabies virus, but it's almost always fatal if untreated before disease develops. The best way to avoid rabies is to keep your distance from wildlife. Visitors should observe all wildlife from a safe and respectful distance and never pick up or touch a wild animal.
Contact the local county health office for instructions if a rabies exposure occurs.

Bats in Oregon 

Oregon is home to 15 species of bats, most of which are Species of Greatest Conservation Need. Learn more about them in the State Wildlife Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap for protecting Oregon's at-risk species and their habitats.

In North America, 12 bat species, including two federally endangered species and one threatened species, have been confirmed with white-nose syndrome. The fungus has been found on an additional nine species without confirmation of the disease.

Learn more about white-nose syndrome and how it affects bats at whitenosesyndrome.org.

Source: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

Theresa