BS: White Nose bat disease in Nova Scotia

Subject: BS: White Nose bat disease in Nova Scotia
From: gnu
Date: 12 May 11 - 04:54 PM

Six more cases Hants county. Mortality rates of 90% have been observed in some colonies in the US. This does not look good.

We have it here in New Brunswick too.

There is talk of extinction in some species.

Not good at all.

Subject: RE: BS: White Nose bat disease in Nova Scotia
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 12 May 11 - 06:31 PM

So far, I don't believe they've found any cases among bats in the UK, but there is some evidence that the fungus involved is found here. Have UK bats developed a resistance? Or has the fungus mutated in N. America? It seems very little is yet known, urgent research is being done. I like bats very much, especially pipistrelles. I'd hate to think they're threatened with extinction by this disease.

Subject: RE: BS: White Nose bat disease in Nova Scotia
From: gnu
Date: 12 May 11 - 07:29 PM

Me too. Vey worrisome.

Subject: RE: BS: White Nose bat disease in Nova Scotia
From: GUEST
Date: 12 May 11 - 07:47 PM

The poster is gargoyle.....who else? -Joe Offer-

---

Bats are mammals...

You're a mammal too

If you have a white nose....

What should you do?

Take the fungus among us

And divide it in two

You lick my toes and I'll lick yours.

Subject: RE: BS: White Nose bat disease in Nova Scotia
From: Ed T
Date: 12 May 11 - 08:19 PM

I'M confused?
Does it turn a bluenose white?

Subject: RE: BS: White Nose bat disease in Nova Scotia
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 13 May 11 - 06:49 AM

The photos I've seen show a furry white fungus on their little noses, and patches on their wings. They come out of hibernation while suffering from the disease, and die of cold or starvation. Whole colonies have been wiped out. They're very vulnerable because of their colonising habits and hibernation. I do hope the scientists can find out what's happening. I like bats, and don't know why some people find them unpleasant. Here (UK) it's illegal to disturb a colony, even if it's in your house. They're cute, and eat tons of nuisance insects too.

Subject: RE: BS: White Nose bat disease in Nova Scotia
From: maeve
Date: 13 May 11 - 07:36 AM

Some information here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-13019241

Subject: RE: BS: White Nose bat disease in Nova Scotia
From: gnu
Date: 13 May 11 - 03:00 PM

Ed... not many from away got that joke.

Subject: RE: BS: White Nose bat disease in Nova Scotia
From: maeve
Date: 13 May 11 - 03:29 PM

Either that, or we flew on by. :)