How to translate text using browser tools
1 October 2016 Detection of Pseudogymnoascus destructans on Free-flying Male Bats Captured During Summer in the Southeastern USA
Grace M. Carpenter, Emma V. Willcox, Riley F. Bernard, William H. Stiver
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the causal agent of white-nose syndrome (WNS), is commonly found on bats captured both inside and outside caves during hibernation, a time when bats are most vulnerable to infection. It has not been documented in the southeast US on bats captured outside caves or on the landscape in summer. We collected 136 skin swabs from 10 species of bats captured at 20 sites on the Tennessee side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 12 May–16 August 2015. Three swabs were found positive for P. destructans, one from a male tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) and two from male big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus). This detection of P. destructans on free-flying male bats in the southeast US during summer has potential repercussions for the spread of the fungus to novel bat species and environments. Our finding emphasizes the need to maintain rigorous year-round decontamination of field clothing and equipment until more is understood about the viability of P. destructans found on bats captured outside hibernacula during summer, about the potential for males to act as reservoirs of the fungus, and the risk of fungal transmission and spread.

© Wildlife Disease Association 2016
Grace M. Carpenter, Emma V. Willcox, Riley F. Bernard, and William H. Stiver "Detection of Pseudogymnoascus destructans on Free-flying Male Bats Captured During Summer in the Southeastern USA," Journal of Wildlife Diseases 52(4), 922-926, (1 October 2016). https://doi.org/10.7589/2016-02-041
Received: 18 February 2016; Accepted: 1 March 2016; Published: 1 October 2016
KEYWORDS
Bat
fungus
male
Pseudogymnoascus destructans
Summer
swab
white-nose syndrome
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top