White Nose Syndrome Detected In Ontario Bats

 
White Nose Syndrome Detected In Ontario Bats
 
 
 

March 19, 2010 1:41 PM

McGuinty Government Continues To Monitor Hibernation Sites

The first case of bats with white nose syndrome in Ontario has been confirmed in the Bancroft-Minden area. There is no known human health risk associated with this syndrome; however the syndrome has been linked to the deaths of a small number of bats in Ontario.

The Ministry of Natural Resources will continue working with the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre to monitor caves and abandoned mines where bats hibernate and identify any further cases.

The public are asked:

  • Not to enter non-commercial caves and abandoned mines where bats may be present, to help curb the spread of the syndrome.
  • Not to touch bats, whether living or dead, as a small percentage carry rabies.
  • To report unusual bat deaths to the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre at 1-866-673-4781 or the Natural Resources Information Centre at 1-800-667-1940.

QUICK FACTS

 
  • White nose syndrome gets its name from a ring of white fungus on the faces of some affected bats.
  • Monitoring for the syndrome will continue until bats leave hibernation sites in May.
  • Testing is being conducted on bats from additional sites and results will be posted online.

CONTACTS

  • Bradley Hammond
    Minister's Office
    416-314-2198
  • Media Desk
    Communications Services Branch
    416-314-2106



Ministry of Natural Resources
ontario.ca/natural-resources


 

"Bats, like all wildlife, are an important part of our biodiversity. We understand the potential impact white nose syndrome can have on bat populations. As such we continue to monitor the condition and work with our partners in wildlife health to better understand its origins and minimize its impact."

 – Linda Jeffrey
Minister of Natural Resources

 
 
 
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