Bats with Wing Wasting Disease Rain Down on Texas Town

The disease cannot be spread through contact with other animals or humans.

Bat World Sanctuary in Weatherford, TX is warning of a bat "rain" as an outbreak of wing wasting disease hits a local colony. Within 24 hours, ~50 bats were rescued, but many more are stranded across Downtown Mineral Wells.

"They can fly for a bit before grounding, so they're everywhere right now in downtown... We're going to continue to go out every night to investigate until there's no one left to rescue," said Founder Amanda Lollar.

Wing Wasting Disease

• Caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, commonly found in soil, water, plants, and rotted wood.
• Bacteria infect the wing membrane, often leading to complete tissue deterioration, leaving bats unable to fly.
• Bats likely ingest the bacteria while grooming their feet and toes, which they use to hang from roosts in damp, poorly ventilated areas.
• Rehabilitation takes several months.
• Does not spread between animals/humans.

Other Bat Diseases

• White-nose syndrome: Texas officials detected this fungal disease in tri-colored bats and three other species this spring.

What to Do If You've Found a Bat

• Avoid direct contact.
• Use gloves/towel/twig to contain the bat in a box (not a cage) if indoors, or place it on a tree/safe location outdoors.
• Contact wildlife assistance, not animal control, as they may euthanize the bat. Bat World Sanctuary for more info.