by PYoungbaer » Feb 26, 2009 4:43 pm
Replies to multiple comments:
We do know that the fungus can be spread bat to bat. Laboratory bat chamber tests have now proved that.
We do not know that the fungus is being spread by humans. We do not know that it isn't. However, the recent confirmation of WNS in West Virginia caves does point to a human vector, as those sites are beyond the range of bat movement from the nearest known WNS sites.
WNS is spreading faster than the science can research it. Thus, one commonly held strategy at this point is containment. Hence, decontamination protocols for cavers and researchers alike. Whether containment will buy enough time to allow us to overcome WNS is clearly uncertain, but we should definitely try.
An active discussion within the USFWS on the current protocols is underway. As I posted earlier, Eliah Kagan is acting as the facilitator between the rope manufacturers and the USFWS personnel. In addition, Dr. Hazel Barton has stepped up to assist with the decontamination research in her laboratory, and is collaborating with Dr. Blehert, and the USFWS folks.
Further, the questions about hot water/temperature are under active study and a question I've posed on several occasions to the researchers. Dr. David Blehert has noted that the fungus thrives at 41-50 F, and apparently remains active up to 70F. Does 110 degree household or 120 degree commercial laundromat water kill it? Or just render spores inactive until optimal conditions are returned for the fungus to thrive? Unknown. But, clearly, if heat alone does the trick, that will be a big breakthrough. This is being looked into, and we await the answers.
Folks, we all understand these protocols are a drag. And the balance between sterilization and safety is definitely a challenge. But it serves no one well to have more than one standard out there. Having a separate standard that isn't endorsed by the USFWS would put unnecessary focus, and perhaps blame, on cavers. That isn't wise. We cavers must police ourselves, or others will do it for (to) us.
It's also important to remember that there is a federal lawsuit filed (by the Center for Biological Diversity)against many of the federal agencies who deal with endangered species. Having the universal protocol the responsibility of the USFWS, and not a separate one by the NSS, or other entities, keeps the legal issues where they should be. We don't need that, either.
Peter Youngbaer
NSS 16161
WNS Liaison