Several bats in Idaho cave have 'white-nose syndrome'

PRESTON, Idaho (CBS2) — Six bats collected from an eastern Idaho cave have tested positive for a deadly fungus.

Idaho Fish and Game says the bats tested from the Minnetonka Cave in Bear Lake County have what's known as white-nose syndrome. It's the first known case of the fungus in Idaho after 10 years of testing.

“We’re extremely concerned, but not surprised by this discovery,” said Rita Dixon, Idaho Fish and Game’s state wildlife action plan coordinator.” The fungus, known as Pseudogymnoascus destructans, or Pd, and white-nose syndrome are found in neighboring states, and despite our best efforts to keep it out of Idaho, the fungus is now here.”

The good news is that there's no evidence the fungus affects humans, pets, livestock or other wildlife, wildlife officials say. A total of 33 bats were swabbed for the fungus in October of last year.

White-nose syndrome has been known to exist in the West since 2016 after being detected in Washington, and also confirmed in Montana and Wyoming.

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