White-nose Syndrome (WNS)-This is a disease occurring in bats which is caused by the so-called cold-loving fungus called "Pseudogymnoascus destructans."
It infects the skin of a hibernating bat's muzzle, wings, and ear. More so, an infected at has obvious fungal growth on its buy, although, yet may behave erratically both inside and outside of the cave, as well during winter, the season for their hibernation. This is according to the White-Nose Syndrome Response Team.
This particular fungus that causes disease in bats was initially detected in the state in 2017 although, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), "there were no signs of the WNS that it can cause."
In many years since WNS has spread to many different sites in around 21 countries. More so, biologists said, it typically takes several years after detection of the fungus, for the disease to become obvious and be felt.
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WNS in Cave Myotis
The animal infected by the disease is a bat species also called cave myotis or Myotis velifer which was discovered in the state's central part on February 23.
The analysis which the USGS National Wildlife Health Center conducted validated the presence "of both the fungus and the disease it's causing. Bat specialist, Nathan Fuller from TPWD said, that discovering for the first time, WNS in Central Texas is certainly concerning.
Meanwhile, biologists had this ardent hope that WNS, the disease thriving in cold conditions is less likely to occur in the warmer areas of Texas.
In addition, the experts are following up on numerous other research materials to identify whether this discovery was an isolated instance, or if the effects are more widespread.
Recently, the said biologists received a report from a Bell county site, of five bats of the species mentioned that they suspected to be infected, too.
The scholars added they were expecting for more information to come out in the next couple of weeks.
First Detected in New York
The White-nose Syndrome was first discovered in New York more than ten years ago and from then on, it has spread from the country's northeastern part to the south WNS was first detected in New York more than a decade ago and has since spread from the northeastern part of the country to the south-central states at what's classified as an "alarming rate."
These bats are perceived to have been introduced from Europe where they "appear to be resistant to the fungus."
The fungus is generally transmitted between bats. However, they can be brought into the caves through gear and clothing of humans.
As of this year, it has been reported that millions of bats in approximately 33 states and seven provinces in Canada have died from WNS.
Meanwhile, in some areas of the U.S., usually, long-lived winter bat populaces have fallen by over 90 percent. And, since many species only produce their respective offspring once every year experts claim it may take decades of years for some populations to recover.