Parks Canada working to curb spread of deadly white-nose syndrome in Alberta bats – Winnipeg Free Press
Parks Canada is deploying a probiotic bacterial treatment in Alberta bat caves to combat white-nose syndrome, an accelerating fungal infection that threatens the province’s hibernating bat populations. Biologists report that the disease, which causes bats to wake prematurely from hibernation and starve, has led to a significant increase in bat mortality, with nearly 69 deaths recorded at one Jasper National Park site compared to only three in previous years.
White-nose syndrome was first identified in Europe in the early 1900s, where local bat populations appear to have adapted to the fungus. The disease arrived in New York two decades ago and has since spread across North America, killing millions of bats before appearing in Alberta in 2022.
How the fungal infection impacts bat health
The fungus, which thrives in cold, damp environments like caves, manifests as a visible white growth on the snouts and wings of bats. According to Nina Veselka, a Parks Canada biologist, the infection disrupts the natural hibernation cycle of these nocturnal mammals. By forcing bats to wake up during winter, the fungus causes them to deplete their limited fat reserves, leaving them unable to survive until spring. While the syndrome poses no risk to humans, it is highly contagious among bats and can result in the death of up to 98 percent of a colony.
The role of probiotic treatments
Crews are applying a freeze-dried, four-strain bacterial solution to known maternity roosts and attic spaces in an attempt to inhibit fungal growth. Veselka describes the treatment as similar to using hand sanitizer to prevent germs from establishing on a surface. These bacterial strains are designed to transfer to the bats’ wings, tails, and faces upon contact with treated roosting areas. While Alberta is using these probiotics to treat existing infections, British Columbia is currently utilizing them as a preventive measure in areas where the fungus has not yet taken hold.
The survival of Alberta’s bat population remains precarious. Because bats typically produce only one pup per year, recovery from large-scale die-offs is a slow process. While current research into probiotics provides a potential path forward, specialists like Lisa Wilkinson of the Alberta government emphasize that there is currently no “silver bullet” to eradicate the fungus, meaning the region may face long-term ecological shifts if population numbers fail to stabilize.
What the future holds for local ecosystems
If white-nose syndrome continues to spread, the loss of these insect-eating mammals could lead to a significant boom in pest populations, including mosquitoes and various agricultural pests. Veselka notes that the current population of bats in the Rocky Mountains is already small, totaling 615 in a recent count. There is concern that even surviving bats may struggle to find enough colony members to huddle for warmth or successfully reproduce. Future efforts remain focused on expanding treatment sites, with the provincial government increasing its target to five additional sites this year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is white-nose syndrome dangerous to humans?
No, the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome does not pose a risk to humans.
Why are bat populations struggling to recover?
According to Alberta government biologist Lisa Wilkinson, bat populations recover slowly because they typically produce only one pup per year.
How does the probiotic treatment work?
The treatment uses four bacterial strains that are spread in roosting areas; these bacteria transfer to the bats’ bodies and act to inhibit the growth of the fungus.
How might the loss of these bat colonies alter the environment in your own local community?