White-nose syndrome:
An emerging disease and a potential threat to mexican bats
Keywords:
Chiroptera, fungus, mycosis, mortal, Pseudogymnoascus destructansAbstract
Currently, in North America, several hibernating bat species are threatened by the disease White-Nose Syndrome (WNS), caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans. This disease proliferates during the winter season as it infects bats during hibernation, affecting bat populations in the U.S. and Canada. Since its detection in 2006, it has caused an estimated number of more than 6 million deaths. Mexico shares several hibernating bat species with the U.S. and Canada, many of which have tested positive for the fungus. Eptesicus fuscus, Myotis sodalis, Myotis lucifugus, and Perimyotis subflavus have experienced dramatic population declines because of WNS. For example, Myotis velifer, Myotis evotis, Corynorhinus sp., get infected, but the effects on their populations have not been widely studied. Efforts to estimate the impact of WNS in the United States and Canada have shown alarming trends, with declines of up to 90% in some species. No equivalent studies have been conducted in Mexico, leaving the country vulnerable to the potential spread of WNS. Here we show that proactive monitoring and mitigation strategies are crucial to prevent the introduction and spread of WNS in Mexican bat populations. Our goal is to make an urgent call for research on the WNS and understand the environmental conditions within hibernacula and the vulnerability of local bat species. Without effective interventions, Mexican bat populations could face catastrophic declines. Understanding local populations could help species that are already affected. It is necessary to begin monitoring in Mexico to detect its presence before it spreads to other areas.
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