White Nose Syndrome (WNS), a newly emerged infectious disease that affects six species of hibernating bats, has a 96% total mortality rate in only 2 years upon infection.  First diagnosed in Albany NY in 2007, it has spread to 10 states and as far as 500 miles from the epicenter in less than 24 months claiming the lives of over a million bats. While scientists still do not understand much about the disease, the majority of experts investigating WNS feel that the recently identified fungus Geomyces destructans is the causative agent.  Since bats in North America have no natural resistance, it is likely that within 2 years every site

in Pennsylvania will be affected.

 

Based on the needs established by the experts at the White Nose Syndrome meeting this summer in Pittsburgh, the testing of select fungicides as a treatment/prevention in the setting of a mine (as opposed to a natural cave system) of top priority. Opportunities for testing at available sites throughout the eastern seaboard are severely limited as nearly all the bats in the selected locations have already succumbed to the disease. 

 

"The Conservancy's preserved Durham Bat Mine may be the last hope we have to save the local and regional bat population," said Greg Turner, a bat expert from the PA Game Commission. The Durham Bat mine, also known as the Durham hibernaculum, hosts between 8,000-10,000 total bats, including the state-threatened small-footed bat during the winter.  WNS was confirmed at the Durham Bat Mine in January, 2010, making it one of the last hibernacula in the region to be infected.  Hoping to capitalize on the comparatively recent onset of the disease, PA Game Commission biologists selected the mine to conduct an experimental treatment in the field.

 

Dr. Hazel Barton, from Northern Kentucky University has identified a natural plant-producing compound that has shown to be 100% effective in removing the fungus.  This compound has no negative impacts to bats and was approved by the EPA for human consumption. 

 

A research team visited the Durham mine at the end of October to assess site conditions, determine the possible presence of WNS and the abundance of bats.  The primary objective of this project was to establish a laboratory and field setting to determine if the application of this fungicide will prevent fungal growth and treat affected bats.,  The researchers netted off bats in two areas of the mine, treating one group with the plant-based compound that is known to naturally kill the fungus through vapor emission. The laboratory portion will take place at Bucknell University, under the direction of Dr. DeeAnn Reeder. The team will return in early spring to gather results from the Durham mine.

 

PA Game Commission's Greg Turner, a principal investigator for the WNS, has recommended the best way to help the bats going forward would be through community education and the addition of strategically placed bat condos where the surviving bats can safely roost and reproduce.  Heritage Conservancy is planning to construct five small condos, which will be assembled and erected by volunteers with supervision of Brian English, the Conservancy's Director of Stewardship. Mr. English stated, "The Conservancy recognizes that advocacy and support by humans will be crucial to a successful recovery plan."

 

"The ranks of advocates grow each year as they come to understand the powerful contributions these amazing creatures make to the ecosystem: that by eating thousands of insects a day, they save crops and prevent diseases," exclaimed Sandy Yerger, Manager of Membership and Community Services for Heritage Conservancy.  "So we are encouraging everyone to visit our website if they are interested in becoming an advocate for bats, learning more about this important environmental issue or participating in one of our upcoming bat programs," added Yerger.

 

"The bat hibernaculum is actually part of a larger protected area, namely our Cooks Creek Lasting Landscape®. Out of the almost 300 acres that comprise this entire natural area, almost 175 critical forested acres provide protection and a vital habitat for over 62 bird species, including 10 rare breeds, and at least six species of bats, including two species of special concern in Pennsylvania," Yerger concluded.