European fungus blamed for white-nose syndrome in bats; now spreading west of Mississippi River

Scientists have linked a fungus from Europe to white-nose syndrome, which is killing bats in the U.S, The Associated Press reports. The mysterious bat disease was first discovered in 2006 in a cave in upstate New York, and has since killed more than 5.7 million bats, though some researchers think the actual number killed is 6.7 million. It was long thought that one or more invasive species was causing the disease, which disrupts bat hibernation cycles and subsequently causes them to freeze to death. It's killed mostly little brown bats, but all species of hibernating North American bats are at risk. (AP photo)

Scientists believe the fungus was brought to America by European tourists, though the exact transport method is not known. Humans aren't susceptible to the disease, but can transport fungal spores from place to place. White-nose syndrome hasn't caused widespread bat deaths in Europe, leading scientists to think bats there have immunity to it. Last December, The Washington Post reported that some scientists think North American bats may be developing resistance to the disease. The scientists say not much can be done to help the bats already afflicted with white-nose syndrome, but people can try to stop the spread of the fungus.

White nose syndrome has been found west of the Mississippi River for the first time, AP reports. The Missouri Department of Conservation says the disease has been confirmed in three bats north of St. Louis. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says the spread could affect crops in the West because bats eat crop pests and assist in pollination.