05.20.15

Hannibal, MO (May 20, 2015) – Last night, scientists and conservationists gathered outside of the Mark Twain Cave Complex in Hannibal, MO to release 150 bats successfully experimentally treated for white-nose syndrome.

These bats are part of one of the first field trials using Rhodococcus rhodochrous, a naturally occurring bacterium, to control the growth of the WNS-causing fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans. This promising research has been supported by BCI since 2012. Participants at the release have expressed cautious optimism at the potential for this tool to control WNS.

Read the full press release here.