|
We are seeking your help in keeping Australia free of white–nose syndrome (WNS), a significant disease affecting cave-dwelling bats.
WNS, caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans, was first identified in North America in 2006 and has since killed millions of bats in that region. The fungus causing WNS is also present in Europe and Asia, but without causing mass mortalities of bats. WNS has not been identified in Australia. If introduced, it could have significant impacts on Australian cave-dwelling bat populations, including some that are already Critically Endangered, e.g. southern bent-wing bats. WNS can be spread by people, as fungal spores can be carried on footwear, clothing and equipment. |
North American little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) with white fungus on their faces and wings - classic signs of WNS.
|
If you are attending the conference from outside of Australia and are planning on visiting caves or encountering bats in Australia (e.g. attending a trapping field trip, visiting captive bats), we ask you to only bring new clothing, footwear and equipment that has never been used in a cave overseas.
If this is not possible, please follow the recommended WNS decontamination guidelines before travelling:
Thank you for helping us to protect Australia’s bats from this devastating disease!
For more information on WNS:
If this is not possible, please follow the recommended WNS decontamination guidelines before travelling:
- Clean off all mud and debris.
- Submerse clothing and other suitable items in hot water maintained at a temperature of at least 55°C (131°F) for a minimum of 5 continuous minutes.
- Treat equipment that cannot be immersed in water with a suitable disinfectant e.g. 50-70% isopropyl alcohol, 8.25% sodium hypochlorite or bleach, or Virkon® S.
- For more detailed instructions, see the US National White-Nose Syndrome Decontamination Protocol and Wildlife Health Australia’s Biosecurity Guidelines for Bat Research in Caves in Australia.
Thank you for helping us to protect Australia’s bats from this devastating disease!
For more information on WNS:
- Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/pests-diseases-weeds/animal/white-nose-syndrome
- Wildlife Health Australia – Fact Sheet, How to report a suspect case, Biosecurity Guidelines for Bat Research in Caves: https://wildlifehealthaustralia.com.au/Resource-Centre/Bat-Health#White-Nose%20Syndrome
- Australasian Bat Society: https://www.ausbats.org.au/white-nose-syndrome.html
This message is endorsed by:
|
|
|
|
