Does the fungus causing white-nose syndrome pose a significant risk to Australian bats?

Abstract

Context: Pseudogymnoascus destructans is the fungus responsible for white-nose syndrome (WNS), which has killed millions of hibernating bats in North America, but also occurs in bats in Europe and China without causing large-scale population effects. This is likely to be due to differences in species susceptibility and behaviour, and environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity. Pseudogymnoascus destructans is currently believed to be absent from Australia. Aims: To ascertain the level of risk that white-nose syndrome poses for Australian bats. Methods: This risk analysis examines the likelihood that P. destructans enters Australia, the likelihood of the fungus coming in contact w..