Health officials in Utah have reported the discovery of a fungus known to cause white-nose syndrome in bats, a deadly disease that has devastated bat populations in North America. The fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, was found on two little brown bats in Utah County.
White-nose syndrome is a fungal disease that affects hibernating bats, causing them to wake up frequently during hibernation, which can lead to starvation and death. The disease has already killed millions of bats in North America since it was first discovered in New York in 2006.
Officials are concerned about the potential impact of the fungus on Utah’s bat populations, as bats play a crucial role in controlling insect populations and maintaining ecosystem balance. The discovery of the fungus in Utah indicates that white-nose syndrome may be spreading further west than previously thought.
Utah is now part of the growing list of states where the fungus has been detected, including 40 states and seven Canadian provinces. Researchers are working to better understand the spread of the disease and how to mitigate its impact on bat populations.
The discovery of the fungus in Utah highlights the need for continued monitoring and research to protect bat populations and prevent the spread of white-nose syndrome. Anyone who encounters bats displaying signs of the disease, such as white fungus on their noses or wings, is encouraged to report it to health officials.
For more information and updates on the spread of white-nose syndrome in bats, listeners are encouraged to tune in to KSL NewsRadio for the latest developments.
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