Frequently asked questions

 

What is white-nose syndrome?

White-nose syndrome (WNS) is the name used to describe a group of symptoms associated with the deaths of over five million bats in North America. These symptoms are:

  • bats with a white fungus (Geomyces destructans), particularly around the nose, but also on the wings, ears and/or tail;
  • bats clustered near the entrance of hibernacula, or in areas not normally identified as winter roost sites;
  • bats flying outside during the day in temperatures at or below freezing; and/or
  • dead or dying bats in or near hibernation sites.

In isolation, the symptoms do not necessarily indicate WNS; for example bats with a white fungus might otherwise be perfectly healthy. Conversely, not all bats affected with WNS will necessarily be found with white fungus on them. 

What causes WNS?

The fungus, G. destructans, has been confirmed as the cause of WNS. It is a soil fungus that grows optimally at the temperatures found in winter hibernacula, which irritates the bats and causes energetically-expensive arousals from hibernation, loss of body fat and starvation. Recent research has also suggested that infections on the wing membranes of bats may lead to dehydration thereby increasing the frequency of arousals. Additionally where the fungus causes lesions in the wing membrane, this may affect the fitness of bats that survive the hibernation period. 

Have there been any cases of WNS in the UK or Europe?

The fungus G. destructans has been positively identified in bats in eight European countries including France, Germany, Switzerland and several countries in Eastern Europe (the first confirmed finding was in 2009) and there is photographic evidence from a further four countries. However, this is the only ‘symptom’ identified in Europe; there have been no reports of mass die offs. Therefore there is no evidence of the syndrome itself.

There have been no confirmed cases of WNS or G. destructans in the UK.

What is being asked of UK underground workers?

Primarily, we are asking all visitors to underground hibernation sites to remain vigilant for the symptoms commonly associated with WNS as part of their usual survey activities. We are not requesting that bat workers or other underground users do additional checks for signs of WNS. Furthermore, licensed bat workers should not handle suspect live bats; in cases where a live bat is found with a suspect fungus, a sample should be taken from visible fungal lesions whilst the bat is in a hanging position.

All UK bats and their roosts are fully protected under UK and European legislation.  This means that you must not enter a known hibernaculum without an appropriate licence or a licensed bat worker, and disturbance to bats during licensed work must be kept to a minimum. 

What decontamination products are recommended?

The decontamination products you use need to contain an anti-fungal agent. Prior to use of a disinfectant please check the relevant product data sheets to ensure anti-fungal action and the correct dilution rates for use. An increased concentration should be used if boots, equipment, etc. are wet.

There are a number of disinfectants available that have anti-fungal properties:

For easy application, we suggest decanting ‘ready to use’ disinfectant into a trigger spray container, such as those available from hardware stores (check usage instructions on the product you have purchase). For example, www.arco.co.uk/products/5634489 – cost £1.36 (September 2011 price).

The skin cleaner Hibiscrub is also a useful antifungal for use on hands. This is available from Boots www.boots.com/en/Hibiscrub-Skin-Cleanser-250ml-1-bottle_872185/ for £8.29 (September 2011 price). You can, alternatively, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. However, this method can be more difficult in the field.

Please note: general antibacterial hand gels are NOT effective against fungal spores.

What will happen if there is a confirmed case of G. destructans in the UK?

If G. destructans is identified in the UK, BCT and the SNCOs will notify bat workers immediately. We will request that all bat workers continue their usual activities, continue to follow the protocols and submit data to BCT/the AHVLA as this will help us to develop a better understanding of the fungus’ presence in the UK.

However, as added measures if the fungus is found in the UK, bat workers will be asked to:

  • Ensure that decontamination procedures are followed after each and every hibernation site visit, and
  • Take the minimum number of volunteers to help on site, to further reduce the potential for transmission 

The situation will then be reviewed based on new information over the following summer season and bat workers will be notified of the outcome.

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Bat Helpline

0845 1300 228