Report to the Fish and Wildlife Health Committee of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies from USGS Science Centers

White-nose syndrome Update for Winter 2010/2011 White-nose syndrome (WNS) in cave-hibernating bats was detected in five new U.S. states (Maine, North Carolina, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky) and two new Canadian provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia) during the Winter 2010/2011 season. This brings the total number of confirmed WNS-positive states and provinces to 16 and 4, respectively, since the disease was first detected in New York in February 2006. The genetic signature of Geomyces destructans, the causative agent of WNS, was also detected on bats in 3 additional states including Delaware, Missouri, and Oklahoma in the previous winter season, although the disease has yet to be detected in these states. No significant westward expansion of WNS was detected this winter beyond Trigg County, Kentucky. The disease continued to spread into new counties within WNS-confirmed states and provinces (Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Tennessee, Quebec, and Ontario). With the exception of one New Brunswick hibernaculum, where an estimated 4,980 bats died, all other new locations reported minimal to no bat mortality at the time of their surveys. Several surveys were conducted outside the entrances of the hibernacula only and may not reflect the true mortality counts. Also, because winter bat surveys are typically conducted once during the season to minimize disturbance to hibernating bats, total mortality estimates are not available until the following season when returning population counts are assessed. Thus far, WNS has not been confirmed in any new bat species this season. Six species, including Little Brown, Northern Long-eared, Tri-colored, Indiana, Eastern Small-footed, and Big Brown bats, are known to be susceptible to WNS. Genetic evidence of Geomyces destructans has been identified on three additional species (Southeastern myotis, Cave myotis, and Gray bats). For the latest WNS updates, consult the USGS-NWHC Wildlife Health Bulletins. http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/publications/wildlife_health_bulletins/index.jsp.