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U.S. Geological Survey Science Strategy To Address White-Nose Syndrome and Bat Health in 2025–2029

Circular 1560
Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/cir1560

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Abstract

Since its discovery in 2006, the fungal disease known as white-nose syndrome (WNS) has killed millions of bats. Of the 47 bat species native to the conterminous United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada, 12 have been affected by WNS, including 3 endangered species and 1 proposed endangered species. WNS has also been detected in 40 States and 9 Canadian Provinces. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists have been critical in identifying the causal fungus for WNS (Pseudogymnoascus destructans [Pd]), characterizing the effects of WNS, and tracking the spread of Pd in many bat populations in North America.

The mission of the USGS WNS and Bat Health Science Team is to deliver integrated science in order to build resiliency into free-ranging bat populations through more effective WNS management, build capacity for bat health science, and enhance bat health information sharing across USGS science centers and cooperative research units as well as with stakeholders. The USGS can play an important role in supporting regional and national capacity building by providing resources and guidance to local, State, and Tribal management entities and by providing tools to enhance disease management. The USGS Ecosystems Mission Area’s Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program is the lead Federal program for free-ranging wildlife disease research and surveillance.

As of 2024, guided by the science priorities set by the WNS Steering Committee, USGS scientists are engaged in a nationwide response to WNS. This work is done in close coordination with our partners at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Defense, as well as State and Tribal agencies. In addition to conducting WNS research, the USGS is mapping the spread of WNS and coordinating the North American Bat Monitoring Program (NABat) to understand how WNS and other stressors affect the status and trends of native bats across their range. The USGS is supporting the national WNS response through four science goals: (1) provide situational awareness on the health of bat populations; (2) conduct ecological studies of bats along the gradient of disease vulnerability; (3) contribute actionable science to enhance the resiliency of bat populations; and (4) implement an adaptive, holistic approach to bat health.

Suggested Citation

Hopkins, M.C., George, A.E., and McCaffery, R., 2025, U.S. Geological Survey science strategy to address white-nose syndrome and bat health in 2025–2029: U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1560, 23 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/cir1560.

ISSN: 2330-5703 (online)

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • USGS Science Strategy To Address White-Nose Syndrome and Bat Health in 2025–2029
  • Acknowledgments
  • References Cited
  • Glossary
  • Appendix 1. Selected Publications by U.S. Geological Survey Researchers on White-Nose Syndrome and Bat Health From 2009 to 2024
  • Appendix 2. Members of the U.S. Geological Survey White-Nose Syndrome and Bat Health Science Team
  • Appendix 3. Congressional Language Mandating U.S. Geological Survey Studies of White-Nose Syndrome for Fiscal Years 2014–2023
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title U.S. Geological Survey science strategy to address white-nose syndrome and bat health in 2025–2029
Series title Circular
Series number 1560
DOI 10.3133/cir1560
Publication Date August 25, 2025
Year Published 2025
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Columbia Environmental Research Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosys Science Center, Office of the AD Ecosystems
Description iv, 23 p.
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Additional publication details