Researchers detected the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans on bats in five California counties in 2023 and 2024, a sign that white-nose syndrome may threaten native bat populations. This fungus is known to cause the disease responsible for millions of bat deaths across North America. Despite no current symptoms in local bats, the detection indicates a serious threat to California's 25 bat species. As it progresses, the disease can lead to severe dehydration and fat depletion, typically during hibernation.
It's possible for bats to have the fungus and never become symptomatic to the disease, which is the curious part about this whole disease progression," said Katrina Smith, a senior environmental scientist with the CDFW. "The disease is described when bats start to show symptoms of fungal infection on their wings: when wing tissue starts to degrade and have tears or holes in it. This symptomatology creates concern for the future health of our bats even if they appear healthy now.
So far, the bats in California that tested positive for the fungus have all had healthy wings," Smith said. Some bat species are more susceptible to developing white-nose syndrome than others, and bats often carry and transmit the disease while showing resilience to its symptoms. According to the CDFW, white-nose syndrome does not affect humans, pets, livestock or other wildlife, emphasizing its unique impact within bat populations.
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