Publication details
Macroecological characteristics of bat geomycosis in the Czech Republic: results of five years of monitoring
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2014 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Vespertilio |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Field | Zoology |
| Keywords | bats wns geomycosis hibernaculum winter syndrom |
| Description | Infestation of hibernating bats by infectious fungus Geomyces (Pseudogymnoascus) destructans (G.d.) was monitored in 13 regions of the Czech Republic from 2009 to 2014 with an aid of standardized field protocol. Although fungus mycelia were recorded in 12 bat species, only two of them (M.myotis, in a less extent also M.emarginatus) were infested regularly. In total 20,268 individuals of M.myotis (by far the most infected species) were examined, 4047 being G.d. positive. Mean total true-positive rate varied yearly from 61.3 to 71.2 %, mean total prevalence varied from 10.4 to 26.3 % with considerable differences between particular regions with total true-positive rate 41.8-100%, and total prevalence 2.7–49.2 %). Despite temporal variation, the pattern of geographic (inter-regional) variation remained unchanged throughout all five winters: mean regional values were low in lowland and karstic regions (site positive rate 20 to 42%, prevalence 0 to 7 %) while in mountain and submountain hibernacula and/or those situated in dynamic relief with stone debris cover and high surface humidity were quite high (prevalence 22 to 58 %, true-positive rate 55 to 100%). Contrary to our expectations, we found no significant relation between prevalence of geomycosis and the abundance of hibernating populations or cluster size. The vast majority of observed cases referred to the weakest stage of infection, severe damages (e.g. microscopic lesions on auricles or wings) were rather exceptional. No case of mortality directly caused by G.d. was recorded. The pattern of prevalence does not suggest that G.d. is a specialized pathogen. The considerable difference between Europe and USA in mortality associated with WNS and its possible causes (different tactics of hibernation, habituation to skin injuries due to high ectoparasite load in Europe etc.) are discussed. |