[PHOTO: Pseudogymnoascus destructans isolates]
A single silver-haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans) submitted to the Washington Department of Health for rabies testing and subsequently transferred to the National Wildlife Health Center was positive for Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) by molecular testing (real-time PCR). This bat was originally collected during the same month and in the same county as the Washington bat with previously confirmed WNS. Histological analysis indicated that this second Pd-positive bat from Washington lacked lesions indicative of WNS. However, detection of Pd on this silver-haired bat by PCR is consistent with previous reports for this species in the eastern U.S. and suggests that silver-haired bats may be a carrier of the fungal pathogen. Unlike little brown bats, silver-haired bats do not seem to suffer mortality from WNS.
Karen Vanderwolf
Karen has been interested in the natural world for as long as she can remember, and she always knew her career would take her into the field of biology. Karen received her Masters of Science at the University of New Brunswick, where she studied bats and the pre-white-nose syndrome fungal flora that occurs on them. She completed her Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in biology at the University of Western Ontario. Karen has previously worked with Ontario Parks, performing plant and salamander field work; assisted in preparations for a Karner Blue Butterfly reintroduction; and worked with Swift Foxes, Wood Turtles and waterfowl.
