Otero County, Colorado (KRDO) — Colorado has confirmed the first case of white-nosed syndrome that has killed millions of bats in North America.

The bat, an adult female Yuma bat (Myotis yumanensis), was found on March 29 at Benz Old Fort National in Ottery County, just outside La Junta, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. It was discovered by National Park Service (NPS) staff at the historic site.

The bat was euthanized and sent to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) National Wildlife Health Center for testing. The bats had wing lesions characteristic of white-nosed syndrome (WNS) and were positive for Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), the causative agent of the disease, according to CPW.

According to CPW, WNS affects hibernating bats, often killing them before or shortly after they emerge from hibernation in the spring.

According to CPW, USGS researchers detected the presence of the fungus in Yuma bats at Benz Old Fort during an NPS-funded disease surveillance study in the summer of 2022.

The fungus was also found in three other Colorado locations last year. Baka County, Larimar County, and Rat County.

“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 CPW Species Protection. Coordinator Tina Jackson said in a press release. “We’ve been monitoring fungi for years, and this is the same pattern we’re seeing in other states.”

CPW said the effects of the disease in Colorado could be devastating. At least 13 of the 19 bat species that live in Colorado are susceptible to WNS.A large-scale loss of bats poses problems for the ecological and economic health of Colorado. Bats are estimated to contribute $3 billion annually to the U.S. agricultural economy through pest control, according to CPW.

Jackson said CPW will continue bat research statewide and work with partners to conduct additional surveys planned this year to assess the spread of WNS and its impact on bats that are endemic to Colorado. said.

According to CPW, WNS was first documented in New York State in 2006. Since then, it has been identified in 12 of his bat species in North America, and now occurs in 39 states and 7 Canadian provinces, including Colorado.

Click here to view the current map of WNS.

Officials say the fungus does not infect humans or pets. Bats are the main route through which the fungus spreads. But according to CPW, the mold can spread on gear and clothing that come in contact with contaminated environments such as caves.

CPW said state and federal agencies in Colorado and across the United States are asking outdoor enthusiasts to follow the following recommendations.

• Stay away from closed caves and mines.
• Decontaminate footwear and all caving Gear before and after visiting caves and other places where bats live.
• Do not touch bats. Call 303-291-7771 or email wildlife.batline@state.co.us to report a deceased or ill person to her CPW.
• Equipment and clothing used in areas where Pd or WNS occur should not be used in areas where Pd is not known to occur. White Nose Syndrome (whitenoseyndrome.org)
• To avoid accidentally transporting bats, inspect canopies, umbrellas, and other outdoor items for bats roosting in nooks and crannies.

For more information on WNS, please visit the CPW website..

See the full range of US National Decontamination Guidance. click here.