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Field signs are suggestive of WNS AND
A bat is PCR positive meaning that DNA from G. destructans is present although the viability of the organism is unknown. Field signs are not required. No histopathology was performed or is negative. WNS was previously confirmed in the county or in an adjacent county. Further diagnostics (PCR, culture, fungal tape and histopathology) were either not performed or are negative.
A bat is culture positive meaning there is viable G. destructans present. Field signs are not required. No histopathology was performed or is negative.
Fungal tape strip of bat fur or skin is positive for G. destructans-like conidia. Visible fungus is required. No histopathology was performed or is negative.
wyandottecaver wrote:It should be noted that given the extremely mild winter (at least in the midwest) mortality and hibernation of bats will likely be atypical this year. It is likely in my opinion, that spread will be even higher by next year due to bats being more active longer, and more infected individuals surviving the winter to spread WNS yet further.
wyandottecaver wrote:
It should be noted that given the extremely mild winter (at least in the midwest) mortality and hibernation of bats will likely be atypical this year. It is likely in my opinion, that spread will be even higher by next year due to bats being more active longer, and more infected individuals surviving the winter to spread WNS yet further.
wyandottecaver wrote:The single best predictor still seems to be body size. The bigger the better. Tri-colors (or pips to us old schoolers) are among our smaller bats. Grays, among our larger bats should fare better in comparison. The fact that southern feeding seasons are longer will help some...how much who knows.
While the USFWS and those taking their money will continue to milk the situation to increase their authority and grants, I think many private groups are seeing the futility of cave closures.
just to illustrate an example: a certain Indiana cave has been closed to cavers for several years. A local caver ignored that ban and entered, ultimately dying there. Other local cavers, with permission, looking for him entered. Finally, months later, another group from across the state (without permission) entered the cave recreationally and accidently found the body. Others, from across the state and beyond, then entered to retrieve the body and I and others noted what *appeared* to be WNS. Whether closures didn't work there because bats brought what is probably WNS, or because cavers ignored the closures is moot. Closures don't work EITHER way.
Of course, with the USFWS setting down the road to name many widespread bat species as T&E, the political realities for Conservanccies and others, if not the biological ones may change.
PYoungbaer wrote:.
That said, we've learned a lot over the years, and Alabama cavers may be in a better place for a number of reasons. First, the Alabama WNS Plan had input and cooperation from the Huntsville, Birmingham, and Cullman grottos, as well as from SCCi. That relationship should be a good foundation for continuing collaboration. I would urge cavers to read the plan and be involved, if you aren't already. I posted the link earlier in this thread.
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