Deadly Disease Found In Oregon Bats

White-nose syndrome has been detected in bats in Oregon for the first time.

State wildlife officials said the disease was confirmed in Columbia and Benton counties after lab tests in March identified the fungal infection in seven bats, six Yuma myotis and one little brown myotis. This follows last year’s detection of the fungus in bat guano in Clatsop County. Now, bats in Oregon are showing both the fungus and the disease itself.

How does white-nose syndrome affect bats?

White-nose syndrome has killed millions of bats in North America since its detection in New York in 2007 and continues to spread. At least 30 states, including Idaho and Washington, have detected the disease, and others have detected the fungus but no disease. The fungus spreads primarily through bat-to-bat contact and infects bats during hibernation. White-nose syndrome does not cause illness in humans or domestic animals, but it can be inadvertently spread through contaminated clothing, gear, and equipment after recreating in or near caves or visiting sites like summer roosts or mines.

During hibernation the fungus grows on the bat's skin causing damage and irritation. Bats wake up frequently to groom it off which uses up critical energy needed to last through hibernation. Bats with WNS sometimes leave their winter sites early and head to spring roosts where they may be found weak or dead from WNS.

Officials stress the disease does not affect humans or pets, but it can spread through contaminated gear.

How Can You Help Protect Oregon’s Bats?

Disinfect shoes and gear after visiting a cave or other known bat roost before getting in your vehicle or leaving the site. Find detailed decontamination information and options at Here.
Report sick or dead bats to ODFW’s Health Lab using the Bat Health Survey or call the health lab and leave a message at (866) 968-2600. Never touch or pick up a bat with bare hands. Report sites of known high bat activity using the Bat Colony Reporting Survey. Bat activity sites can include suspected hibernacula (places that bats hibernate) or roosts.
If bats are impacting your home or another structure, exclusion practices can remove them safely and help prevent future entry. More information is available online, and some wildlife control companies specialize in bat-friendly solutions.