For the first time, scientists have treated and cured bats infected with White-Nose Syndrome. That's the devastating infection that is decimating bat colonies in the U.S. and Canada, including in Arkansas.
Scientists have released 150 bats in Missouri after successfully ridding them of white-nose syndrome, which is caused by an invasive fungus that grows in caves and mines.
The treatment for the infection was a common bacterium found in soil that’s used for industrial purposes like food preservation. In studies, the researchers found the bacterium, called Rhodococcus rhodochrous, could delay the ripening of bananas and also lower the fungal burden of the fruit. They then wanted to test if that bacterium could also help prevent fungus growth on a bat, and it appears that it does.
Officials with the U.S. Forest Service say while more research is needed before it’s known if the discovery is an effective and environmentally-safe treatment, they are very encouraged and optimistic. But, researchers aren’t yet sure if the benefits will be long-term.
White-Nose Syndrome or the fungus associated with it has been found in at least five Arkansas counties.
