Deadly bat disease fungus confirmed in key tourist destination as officials warn of impacts
WHO advisory committee member Jamie Metzl calls for a full investigation into the origins of COVID-19 with unrestricted access to all records in China.
TL;DR
- The fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), associated with white-nose syndrome in bats, has been confirmed in Nevada.
- The discovery was made during routine monitoring at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
- No bats in the area are currently exhibiting clinical signs of white-nose syndrome.
- The fungus spreads from bat to bat during hibernation and can be spread by humans carrying spores on their shoes.
- White-nose syndrome, first detected in 2006, has now reached Nevada for the first time.
- Officials are working on reducing the spread through equipment sterilization, habitat protection, and public education.
- Visitors are urged to avoid abandoned mines to prevent spreading the fungus.