The fifth annual symposium on white nose syndrome in bats is taking place in Madison, Wisconsin this week. The sessions have been closed to the public, so this sneak peek comes to you through yesterday’s media conference call and some research on the internet.

The purpose of the conference is to present current white nose syndrome research, particularly epidemiological research, the ecology of Geomyces destructans and insights from Europe, said Ann Froschauer, white nose syndrome communications and outreach coordinator for the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and to discuss cave closure policies and other preventive measures.

Today’s the day for state and management issues. There will be presentations on bat hibernacula management by Greg Turner (Pennsylvania Game Commission), Dave Redell (Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources) and Rita Dixon (Idaho Dept. Fish & Game).

This evening there will be breakout sessions for states to discuss bat management issues by region.

No press to link to yet, but we’ll keep an eye out.

Photo of afflicted bat in Great Smoky Mountain National Park, courtesy of US Fish and Wildlife Service