An ecological understanding of host-pathogen dynamics is the basis for conservation and management decision-making. Since 2008, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and various non-governmental agencies have collaborated on bat and white-nose syndrome (WNS) related surveillance and monitoring, research, and management programs. Accordingly, scientists and managers have learned a great deal about the hosts, pathogen, and ecology of this novel disease, though, effective mitigation measures to combat the disease remain elusive. Host-pathogen systems are complex, and identifying ecological research needs that, if addressed, will be most useful for managers to choose among mitigation strategies are often difficult. In order to identify these research needs, we collaboratively synthesized the current state of knowledge, and identified and ranked uncertainties that can lead to targeted and tangible management actions.
Results/Conclusions
Through a cross-disciplinary approach, we created an influence diagram that can be used to explain how Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the causative agent of WNS, can be introduced and impact a bat population. Within the influence diagram are five sub-diagrams that articulate critical components of the host-pathogen system: human movement of P. destructans, P. destructans movement via bat movement, bat recruitment, epidemiology, and mortality. Within each sub-diagram, wildlife biologists, epidemiologists, and fungal pathologists have contributed knowledge which suggest management actions. However, there are also places within each sub-diagram that highlight regions that require further study, such as how (1) the epidemiology and disease progression of WNS may differ in western bat species from those identified in eastern species, (2) inducing a more active immune response during hibernation would affect hibernation behavior and physiology, or (3) to modify virulence factors for P. destructans. Through the creation of this influence diagram, and with regular updating as new information becomes available, agencies and researchers can systematically identify the critical uncertainties within the bat/WNS system that may direct ecological research to lead to effective management actions.