Information for bat workers

The information on this page is targeted at visitors to underground hibernation sites with supporting information for bat carers.

Bat workers visiting underground hibernation sites are asked to:

• remain vigilant for the symptoms commonly associated with WNS as part of their usual survey activities;
• report to BCT/APHA immediately if any symptoms associated with WNS are observed/suspected;
• follow decontamination procedures after site visits; and
• anyone visiting sites within the region of a suspect case should carry out the decontamination procedures between site visits. For the latest information about sites see the table below, 'Cases currently under investigation'.

The guidelines for bat workers (and associated field surveillance form) and bat carers (and associated bat care surveillance form) are reviewed regularly. They were last update in November 2023.

The passive surveillance scheme has been running since 2009, with the first positive case of P. destructans found during the 2012/13 winter survey period, with a further case found during the 2013/14 season. Over the course of the 2016/17, 2017/18 and 2020/21 hibernation seasons additional cases were confirmed at sites in the Midlands, Eastern, Southern and Northern England through a combination of passive and active surveillance work. (There were no positive cases during the 2015/16, 2018/19, 2019/20, 2021/22 and 2022/23 winter seasons.)

Cases currently under investigation are those where one or more of the symptoms of WNS have been observed or are suspected. New suspect cases for the 2023/24 hibernation season will be listed below (including whether we have any results or if the results are outstanding).

In addition to the regular review of the guidelines we produce, we continue to update the information on the BCT website and provide updated guidance to other individuals visiting hibernation sites through our key caving contacts. If you have any questions about this information or BCT’s work in this area please email Dr Allyson Walsh , Head of Conservation Services.

Please note that it may six weeks or longer to report results.

When the status of a case is identified as 'NEGATIVE' that means no P. destructans conidia were isolated during testing.