Efficacy of Visual Surveys for White-Nose Syndrome at Bat Hibernacula

摘要: White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) is an epizootic disease in hibernating bats caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans. Surveillance for P. destructans at bat hibernacula consists primarily of visual surveys bats, collection potentially infected and submission these laboratory testing. Cryptic infections (bats that are but display no signs fungus) could lead to mischaracterization infection status a site inadvertent spread We determined efficacy detection examining molecular on 928 six species 27 sites during conducted from January through March 2012–2014 southeastern USA leading edge invasion. were widespread with 77% tested positive qPCR showing visible infection. The probability exhibiting increased sampling date pathogen load, latter which was substantially higher three (Myotis lucifugus, M. septentrionalis, Perimyotis subflavus). In addition, lucifugus more likely show than other given same load. Nearly all cryptic (Eptesicus fuscus, grisescens, sodalis), had much lower fungal loads. presence or septentrionalis visually detected bats. Our results suggest common species, rarely occur some species. However, due very high prevalence loads we estimate least 17 individuals 29 subflavus still effective determine whether has because detecting later winter, should be done as close end hibernation period possible.