A fungus called Pseudogymnoascus destructans, which causes white-nose syndrome in bats, has been discovered in five California counties.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) revealed that the fungus was found in Humboldt, Sutter, Placer, Amador and Inyo counties.
The big picture: Though inconclusive, the fungus is also suspected to be present in Trinity, Siskiyou, Shasta, Plumas, Alpine, San Diego, and San Bernardino counties.
- While no bats in California have developed the disease related to white-nose syndrome, the presence of the fungus raises concerns about potential future outbreaks.
Why it matters: White-nose syndrome affects bat skin cells, damages wing membranes, and can lead bats to end hibernation prematurely, often causing their death.
- Various bat species have been found in the presence of the fungus, including little brown myotises, Yuma myotises, long-legged myotises, big brown bats, Mexican free-tailed bats and Western red bats.
What they’re saying: The CDFW emphasized in a statement on Thursday that white-nose syndrome does not infect humans or other animals but advised caution regarding the spread of the fungus through spores carried on clothing, shoes and equipment.
