Moderator: Tim White
ek wrote:I'm from New York, which is a "WNS pariah state." If I (and my fellow northeasterners) follow the WNS decontamination guidelines for gear, clothing, and boots, is that adequate for full participation in the 2008 NCRC weeklong?
shibumi wrote:ek wrote:I'm from New York, which is a "WNS pariah state." If I (and my fellow northeasterners) follow the WNS decontamination guidelines for gear, clothing, and boots, is that adequate for full participation in the 2008 NCRC weeklong?
Do you remember the decon procedures from "The Andromeda Strain"?
Be afraid. Be very afraid. <evil cackle>
wyandottecaver wrote:might it be that a (possibly) contaminated caver from the NE decides to visit the deep south to tour a ssci cave? thus cleaning before the trip.
might it be that previously a (possibly) contaminated caver didn't clean gear before the trip and thus contaminated the cave? thus cleaning after the trip.
http://www.fws.gov/northeast/whitenosemessage.htmlBecause clothing, footwear and gear used in accessing a cave in New York, Vermont, Connecticut or Massachusetts within the past 2 years could pose a risk of spreading WNS, the Service advises that these items not be used when accessing caves anywhere and that these items not be transported until the cause of WNS is identified and the effectiveness of decontamination procedures can be evaluated.
tncaver wrote:wyandottecaver wrote:might it be that a (possibly) contaminated caver from the NE decides to visit the deep south to tour a ssci cave? thus cleaning before the trip.
might it be that previously a (possibly) contaminated caver didn't clean gear before the trip and thus contaminated the cave? thus cleaning after the trip.
Might it be that a caver from outer space has caused all this WNS in the NE?
And the alien must be the first one to visit a cave in the NE in thousands of
years since Earth cavers have been visiting for thousands of years and nothing
has happened until now?
ek wrote:All this tangential discussion and argument about how WNS has gotten started is entertaining and valuable, but I want to underscore that I started this thread because I need essential information that will determine whether or not it is practical for me, and possibly others, to attend the national weeklong early next month. I'm already pretty late in registering, which I imagine only causes more pain for the fine volunteers who are putting together and running the weeklong, and so I'd like to explicitly solicit serious replies...
Tim White wrote:If you really want to know the what the OFFICIAL NCRC word is on this matter, then ask the proper party. An open forum may only get you opinions and not facts.
Stridergdm wrote:Seriously, the word I have from Mr. Hudson was: "Most of our caves are owned by the SCCi. See their website for information. SCCI.org
In light of the emerging situation known as White Nose Syndrome affecting bats in a number of northeastern caves, the SCCi requests that all visitors to SCCi caves and preserves please thoroughly clean and inspect their clothing and caving equipment before and after visiting SCCi caves or preserves. While the causes, effects, and transmission mechanisms of the White Nose Syndrome are presently unknown, the estimated 95% mortality rate among affected bats mandates serious consideration and deep concern. Cavers should take all reasonable and necessary precautions to avoid carrying mud, water, or other substances from one cave to another.
Return to Cave Rescue Techniques Forum
Users browsing this forum: No registered users