White-Nose Syndrome in Virginia

Recommended Measures to Reduce the Spread of White-Nose Syndrome in Virginia

Posted Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Although the Department is reaffirming the request that recreational cavers and cave owners help Virginia's bat populations by reducing cave traffic until more is learned about this syndrome, VDGIF, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the Virginia Cave Board, and cooperators have adopted the following guidelines and recommendations to reduce the spread of white-nose syndrome in Virginia.

White-Nose Syndrome Suspected in Bats in Three More Counties in Virginia

Posted Friday, April 24, 2009

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries reports white-nose syndrome (WNS) is now suspected to be in three more counties in the Commonwealth. Once confirmed, this will bring the total number of counties with WNS in Virginia to five. The three new counties are Cumberland, Bland, and Rockingham. Specimens from all three localities have been sent to the U.S. Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wisconsin. The center had previously confirmed WNS in bats from two caves in Bath and Giles counties.

The Cumberland County bat was found by an individual who contacted the Department to identify the species. The photograph revealed that bat had signs of the fungus associated with WNS. The Bland and Rockingham bats were found in caves in those counties.

Department biologists are working with other state and federal agencies to determine what steps to take to address this issue. The Department is also working with cave owners and caving groups to contain the spread of the fungus and to educate the public about what is known about white-nose syndrome.

To learn more about white-nose syndrome, visit the following resources: