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West coast scientists are studying a deadly bat disease called white-nose syndrome after it spread from the Northeastern United States to Washington state last year.
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White-nose syndrome is a fungal infection that has killed more than 5.5 million bats since its discovery in 2006. Scientists believe it causes bats to wake up more often during winter hibernation, which leads to starvation and death.
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Early detection is important for any hope of containment and treatment, so scientists look for symptoms on the wings including contracture (shortening and hardening of muscle and tissue), lesions and membrane damage.
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Researchers in Washington and Oregon are gathering data on the health, population sizes and hibernation habits of local bats in order to learn more about the disease’s impact and seek prevention.
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Essential question
: Why is it important for scientists to study infectious diseases in wildlife?
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What role does an animal's habitat play in figuring out the potential causes for infection?
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What other infectious diseases have you learned about affecting wildlife? What are the different ways diseases may spread to the same or different species?
Extension activity:
Students help scientists hoping to save bats at Mammoth Cave National Park
Watch this Student Reporting Labs video to find out why researchers in Kentucky are enlisting the help of local students to better understand the impact of white-nose syndrome on Mammoth Cave National Park’s bat population. Discuss what role students can play in their own community when it comes to preserving wildlife.
Sarah Seale contributed to today's Daily News Story.
