In the United States killed millions of bats. What kills them?
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For 12 years in the caves of the Eastern part lie the mountains of dead bodies of tiny bats. They all die because of the so-called white nose syndrome caused by fungus, leading to the destruction of the wings, fat loss and, ultimately, to death. At the moment the number of deaths due to diseases of animals in the millions and victims are becoming more — recently infected individuals have been found even in California. Authorities are seriously concerned about the massive loss of bats, because without them the US population may be infected with dangerous diseases and deprived of food.
It is believed that the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans initially emerged in Europe, and then moved to North America. He actively propagated at low temperatures, and the bats just hibernate in cold caves during hibernation are vulnerable to disease. Using the weakness of the animals, the fungus has already killed the legions of the 45 species of bats in 38 States.
the spread of the fungus?
In 2018, biologists have found infected mice even in California. They found only four specimens have white noses, but they can easily infect hundreds and even thousands of their relatives. The fact that these animals sleep very close to each other, so to infect a whole flock missing even one diseased mouse. Dangerous fungus can quietly wait for them for ten years, even in the empty cavern.
the Infected bat
How to cure the disease?
Also carriers of the disease there may be people — the fungus is not harmful to our health, but we can spread its spores on clothing and shoes. In this regard, the authorities of some States forbid people to visit the caves. They also offer to let bats in hibernation inside military bunkers with controlled temperature — so, in their opinion, animals can somehow be protected from contamination.
the Fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans
Also biologists have tried to fight it with chemicals, but in the end it was discovered that they can cause bats even more damage. At the moment the best way to protect animals from disease is considered to be spray vaccine, but it does not yet exist — according to the calculations of biologists, the development may take several years.
What to eat bats?
Scientists want to stop the extinction of bats because they are extremely useful for people. For example, they actively destroy mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus — this infection causes inflammation of the meninges, and could lead to death.
I Advise you to read: 10 things that will disappear forever,
Also bats consume agricultural pests that damage the cotton crop and corn. In addition, they pollinate a plant called agave, which is used for the production of tequila. In General, due to the flying creatures, the United States annually saves 3.7 billion dollars.
is it Really a dangerous disease?
Perhaps biologists before wreaking havoc, because in warm California, the disease can spread much more slowly than in the cold States. However, even if it is not distributed in California, scientists it is essential to develop from it a vaccine, because with the pace bats at all can turn into an endangered species.
We Recommend you to read: Why bats tolerate the Ebola virus
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