The first Colorado bat infected with White Nose Syndrome was spotted near La Junta, state wildlife officials announced, citing the disease caused by a fungus that wreaked havoc on dozens of important state species. It raised concerns about the disastrous spread.
Colorado officials have found a fungus that kills bats circulating. Pseudogymnoascus destructansFormerly known as Pd, no infected bats have been identified. disease caused by fungi.
“The effects of the disease in Colorado can be devastating,” said the state Parks and Wildlife Release. “At least 13 of the 19 bat species inhabiting Colorado may be susceptible to the disease. Massive bat loss poses challenges to Colorado’s ecological and economic health.” These voracious insect eaters are estimated to contribute $3 billion annually to the U.S. agricultural economy through pest control.
State officials said the fungus does not threaten people or pets, and that bats themselves are typically how the fungus spreads between species. They warn people to avoid closed caves and mines, or animals that they think might be sick.
Colorado Wildlife Authority Frequently closing bat caves near recreational trails to prevent fungal growth.
The infected bat was discovered on March 29 by National Park Service staff at Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site in Otero County. Bats were unable to fly and had a white powdery appearance on their arms that was distinguishable from the fungus. The bat was killed and sent to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Wildlife Center for testing.it was Black bat female.
Federal researchers caught 25 black bats at Benz Old Fort last summer and discovered the fungus. However, none of the bats had the disease white-nose syndrome. The disease most severely affects hibernating bats, which die in hibernating caves or shortly after the bats emerge in the spring. Baka, Larimer, and Root counties also had mold infestations last year.
“Given the experience in other states where white-nose syndrome spread westward after the discovery of Pd last year, we expected this news to be inevitable in a year or two,” said Parks and Wildlife. Species Protection Coordinator Tina Jackson said, “We’ve been monitoring fungi for years, and this is the same pattern we’re seeing in other states.”
“We are working with partners to monitor these and other bat colonies,” added Jackson.
Many scientists around the world are trying to identify treatments and vaccines for white-nose syndrome, a state release said. Tested on species bats. Thirty-nine provinces of Colorado and his seven provinces of Canada are infected with the disease.
The state is asking anyone who sees a dead or visibly sick bat to contact parks and wildlife at wildlife.batline@state.co.us.situation We also have a website have more information about the disease.
