16.7.09

White-nose Syndrome: Guidelines for Bat Workers and Cavers

White-nose Syndrome: Guidelines for Bat Workers and Cavers

1. Background
White-nose syndrome (WNS) has been associated with the deaths of over 100,000 bats in North East USA. In some hibernation sites, numbers have declined by 80-100% since 2006 when the condition was first identified.
Named after the distinctive white-fungal growth found on many of the affected bats, WNS is still poorly understood. Researchers know very little about its spread and transmission and it is unclear whether the fungus itself is killing the bats, or whether the fungus is a secondary infection. Human health implications are not known, but there is no information indicating that people have been affected after visiting sites where WNS has been found.
Although there has not yet been a confirmed diagnosis of WNS in the UK or mainland Europe, bats with fungal growths have recently been reported in the Netherlands and Germany, prompting concern that WNS might occur in Europe. As a precautionary measure, BCT has set up a surveillance system to monitor the observations of bat workers in the UK.

The purpose of this surveillance is to:
Facilitate quick identification of suspected cases at a national level
Raise awareness and promote vigilance
Ensure consistency of approach
Provide a framework to ensure effective communications
This guidance documents commonly reported symptoms of WNS in the US to help identification of suspected cases in the UK; details how bat workers and others can contribute to the national level
Raise awareness and promote vigilance
Ensure consistency of approach
Provide a framework to ensure effective communications
This guidance documents commonly reported symptoms of WNS in the US to help identification of suspected cases in the UK; details how bat workers and others can contribute to the national surveillance programme; and gives advice on how all cave users can help minimise the risk of spread.


Full info: EuroBats

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