An estimated one million or more bats have died in the USA since February 2006 as a result of White-nose Syndrome (WNS), a distinctive white fungal growth, Geomyces destructans, which affects hibernating bats.
Although there are no confirmed cases of WNS in the UK or Europe, increased vigilance in UK hibernation sites is vital to protect our bat species.
Visit the Bat Conservation Trust website for further information on this potentially catastrophic threat, along with guidance for UK batworkers and cavers.