White-nose syndrome in bats continues to spread

A fungal disease that has killed more than 5.5 million bats is continuing to spread across North America.

White-nose syndrome, first recorded in New York in 2006, is now present in 20 states and four Canadian provinces.

Research just published provides further evidence that the disease is caused by the fungus, and that it originated in Europe.

Last year, researchers and policymakers agreed on a national action plan in order to limit the disease's impact.

"We now have 19 states that have confirmed the disease, and one additional state that has detected the fungus that causes the disease," explained Ann Froschauer from the US white-nose syndrome (WNS) co-ordination team at the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).            More Read