Bat Deaths Linked To Infant Mortality In The US, Study Finds

A study has found that mass bat deaths in the US, caused by a lethal fungus, have indirectly contributed to the deaths of around 1,300 children due to increased pesticide use. The disease, known as White-nose syndrome, has led to a surge in pesticide use by farmers in affected areas, resulting in an almost eight percent rise in infant mortality rates. The study, published in Science, highlights a strong link between bat health and human well-being, emphasizing the importance of ecosystem functioning.

White-nose syndrome, caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans, has spread to numerous states and provinces, leading to the deaths of millions of bats. Eyal Frank, the study author, found that areas affected by the disease experienced a significant increase in pesticide use and infant mortality rates. This study suggests a causal relationship between bat deaths and human health impacts, emphasizing the vital role of bats in agriculture and human well-being amidst various threats they face such as habitat loss and climate change.