White-nose syndrome

WNS in bats is caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans.

WNS has not been detected in Australia. However, it poses a significant threat, particularly for already threatened bat populations.

WNS is present in bats in North America, where it was first found in New York and has since spread rapidly across the United States and Canada.

Although the fungus (Pseudogymnoascus destructans) is also present in Europe and Asia, it has not caused mass bat deaths or population declines there.

• White or grey fungus visible on the muzzle, wings, ears, or tail.
• Loss of body fat.
• Bats flying outside during freezing temperatures.
• Bats gathering near hibernation site entrances.
• Dead or dying bats found on the ground or on structures.

White or grey fuzz on a bat’s muzzle, ears, or wings may be a sign of WNS. However, other fungal infections or post-mortem fungal growth can look similar.

Not all fungal growth found on dead bats is a sign of WNS or other disease in living bats.

Laboratory testing and fungal identification are required to confirm or exclude WNS.

In North America, WNS has killed up to 90–100% of bats in some locations.

If WNS were introduced into Australia, its impact on Australian bats is unknown.

However, large-scale bat deaths may be less likely to occur because:

• Australia’s warmer climate means bats hibernate for shorter periods.
• The fungus grows best at 12.5–15.8°C and stops growing above 20°C, making survival in the environment here less likely (World Organisation for Animal Health, 2022 (PDF, 238KB)).

While the risk to Australian bats appears lower, the potential impact remains uncertain and early detection will be vital for control.

WNS is transmitted through:

• direct bat-to-bat contact
• and
• contact between bats and the cave substrate (where fungus remains viable in the environment for several years).

Humans can also spread the fungus from the environment.

It can travel on:

• clothing
• shoes
• caving gear
• other equipment.

WNS is not zoonotic, meaning it cannot infect humans.

If you suspect WNS

• Take photos from a safe distance (to avoid scratches or bites).
• Avoid direct contact with bats.
• Report your suspicions to Biosecurity Queensland.
• Decontaminate all clothing and equipment to prevent human-mediated fungal spread between sites.

Human health and safety

WNS does not pose a direct health risk to humans.

However, Australian bats may carry Australian bat lyssavirus, which can be fatal if transmitted through a scratch or bite.

If you are bitten or scratched by a bat, wash the wound immediately and seek urgent medical attention.

Only rabies-vaccinated individuals experienced in bat handling and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) should approach bats.

Legal obligations

WNS is a notifiable disease in Australia.

If you become aware of, or suspect, clinical WNS in any bat, you must report it to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Early reporting supports early detection, disease control and bat conservation.

If you treat or manage bats, you have a general biosecurity obligation to take all reasonable and practical measures to prevent or minimise the effects of biosecurity risks such as WNS. This means you are legally required to reduce the risk of WNS and limit its spread.

Exclusion testing

Laboratory testing, including histopathology and fungal culture, is required to confirm or exclude WNS in bats.

• In Queensland: Contact the Biosecurity Sciences Laboratory (BSL) for advice on submitting bats.
• Outside Queensland: Contact your local wildlife health coordinator or biosecurity agency.

Cavers and people working with microbats who travel internationally risk bringing the WNS fungus into Australia via contaminated clothing or equipment (for example, caving gear).

To prevent the introduction and spread of WNS:

• Avoid contact with potentially affected sites, equipment, or bats.
• Clean and disinfect all clothing and equipment used in bat habitats.
• Follow biosecurity guidelines (PDF, 263KB) to reduce human-mediated spread of the fungus between sites.

Report any suspect WNS cases to animal health authorities.