WNS research

WNS (White-Nose Syndrome) is a disease affecting hibernating bats, caused by a fungus called Pseudogymnoascus destructans. The fungus grows on bats’ skin during hibernation, disrupting their normal resting state, depleting fat reserves, and often leading to death. Research aims to understand how the fungus spreads, how it impacts bat health, and how to develop effective conservation strategies. This includes studying bat immune responses, environmental factors influencing fungal growth, and potential treatments or management practices to reduce mortality and help preserve bat populations.