PHOENIX, Ariz. — Scientists have confirmed the presence of the fungus responsible for white-nose syndrome (WNS) in an Arizona bat, marking a significant development in the spread of the disease. A cave myotis bat sampled at Fort Huachuca near Sierra Vista in 2024 tested positive for Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the fungus that causes WNS, according to the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD).
Fungus Confirmed in Arizona Bat Population
During routine bat surveillance efforts, researchers noticed suspicious wing abnormalities on the cave myotis, prompting further testing. Additional samples revealed that four more bats, including two from different species, carried trace amounts of the fungus, indicating its presence in the region.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department, in partnership with Northern Arizona University’s Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, has been monitoring WNS for over a decade. The fungus has previously been detected in Mohave, Coconino, Yavapai, and Cochise counties, but this is the first confirmed case in a bat within the state.
A Growing Threat to Bats in the Southwest
WNS, first discovered in 2006, has since spread across 40 U.S. states and nine Canadian provinces, killing millions of bats. Though the disease poses no risk to humans or pets, it has devastated bat populations by disrupting hibernation cycles and causing starvation.
The cave myotis, a species commonly found in cold, damp caves, is considered particularly vulnerable to WNS. The disease has already impacted bat populations in New Mexico and Texas, raising concerns that Arizona’s bat colonies could face similar declines.
“Though not unexpected, our 2024 high-level positive detection in cave myotis is highly concerning,” said Debbie Brewer, a Fort Huachuca wildlife biologist. “Land managers across the Southwest should be on alert and consider habitat protections for bats.”
How the Public Can Help
AZGFD urges the public to report any bats displaying unusual behavior, such as struggling to fly, resting on the ground, or appearing sick.
If you see a bat that appears to be injured, sick, or dead, do not handle it. Instead, report the sighting to [email protected] with the following details:
- Location of the sighting
- Your contact information
- A photo (if possible)
- Any other relevant observations
For more information on white-nose syndrome, visit whitenosesyndrome.org.
