White-nose Syndrome in Bats
Published November 2, 2026 by Jeff Taylor
What is White-Nose Syndrome?
White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) is a devastating wildlife disease caused by the cold-loving fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd). It thrives in the cool, damp conditions of caves and abandoned mines where many bat species hibernate.
The fungus grows on bats’ skin — especially the muzzle, ears, and wings — giving a distinctive white, fuzzy appearance. While the fungus itself doesn’t directly kill bats, it disrupts their hibernation cycles, causing them to wake more frequently and burn through fat reserves needed to survive the winter. Many die of starvation or dehydration before spring.
Read more at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website and the White-nose Syndrome Organization webste.
Impact on Bats
Since its discovery in New York in 2006, WNS has spread to 40+ U.S. states and several Canadian provinces, killing millions of bats. In some colonies, mortality rates exceed 90%.
In Oregon, the first confirmed case was reported in 2016 near North Bend. While not every cave is affected yet, the risk is high, and prevention is critical.
Bats are essential to ecosystems and agriculture — a single bat can eat hundreds of insects in an hour, saving U.S. farmers billions of dollars annually in pest control. Losing bats means losing a natural ally in keeping insect populations in check.
How WNS Spreads
- Bat-to-bat contact during hibernation.
- Environmental contamination — the fungus can persist in caves for years without bats present.
- Human activity — spores can cling to boots, clothing, ropes, and other gear, even if no bats are seen.
What Cavers Can Do to Help
1. Respect Cave Closures and Restrictions
- Always check for seasonal or permanent closures before visiting a cave.
- Avoid known bat hibernation sites in winter and maternity roosts in summer.
2. Use Dedicated Gear
- Dedicate gear to a single cave or cave region whenever possible.
- If gear must be reused in multiple locations, follow the full decontamination process below.
White-Nose Syndrome Decontamination Protocol for Cavers
(Based on the National White-Nose Syndrome Decontamination Protocol, Version 03.07.2024)
Step 1 – Remove Dirt and Organic Material
- Brush or rinse off all visible mud, soil, and debris from boots, clothing, and equipment before leaving the cave site.
Step 2 – Wash
- Launder clothing, gloves, and soft gear in hot water (≥ 55°C / 131°F) with detergent.
- Ensure the item is fully submerged and in contact with the hot water for at least 5 continuous minutes.
- Many washing machines with a “sanitize” or “allergen” cycle can meet this requirement, but test to confirm.
Step 3 – Disinfect
Choose the method based on whether the gear is submersible or non-submersible:
Submersible Equipment (can safely be submerged in hot water or disinfectant)
- Preferred method: Submersion in hot water ≥ 55°C (131°F) for 5 continuous minutes.
- If heat may damage the gear, use an approved disinfectant from Table 1 below.
Non-Submersible Equipment (may be damaged by liquid submersion)
- Wipe or spray with an approved disinfectant, ensuring full surface contact for the required exposure time listed on the product label.
Approved Disinfectants (Table 1 Summary)
| Product / Method | Notes on Use |
|---|---|
| Hot Water ≥ 55°C (131°F) for 5 min | Preferred method for submersible gear. |
| Isopropyl Alcohol (50–70%) | Submerge or wipe for at least 20 seconds; allow to air dry. |
| Hydrogen Peroxide Wipes (3%) | Wipe all surfaces; air dry. |
| Clorox® Bleach (8.25% Sodium Hypochlorite) | Dilute per label to 2400–3600 ppm; follow label exposure time. |
| Lysol® IC Quaternary Disinfectant Cleaner | Use per label instructions. |
| Virkon® S (1%) | Soak or wipe per label directions. |
| EPA-registered disinfecting wipes (Clorox®, Lysol®, Sani Cloth®, Rescue®, etc.) | Ensure full coverage and label contact time. |
Important: Always follow the product label and manufacturer recommendations to avoid damaging gear. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling disinfectants.
Step 4 – Rinse
- After disinfection, rinse gear in clean water or wipe with a damp cloth if appropriate — especially if it will contact skin, animals, or sensitive environments.
Step 5 – Dry
- Allow all gear to dry completely before storage or reuse. Sunlight exposure can help kill residual spores.
Step 6 – Clean Up
- Disinfect bins, sinks, countertops, and any other surfaces that came into contact with contaminated gear.
3. Avoid Disturbing Bats
- Leave areas quietly if bats are present.
- Avoid shining lights directly on roosts or making loud noises.
- Never handle bats — report injured or dead bats to Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
4. Educate and Advocate
- Share WNS information with other cavers, landowners, and outdoor groups.
- Encourage others to follow decontamination and closure rules.
5. Support Bat Conservation
- Volunteer for bat counts or habitat restoration projects.
- Report unusual bat behavior or multiple dead bats to wildlife authorities.
Why This Matters
As cavers, we are entering the same spaces bats depend on for survival. Every trip underground is a chance to either help or harm. By following these protocols, we can help slow the spread of White-Nose Syndrome and protect Oregon’s bats for future generations.
More Information: