A new study from scientists at Boston University predicts the little brown myotis to go extinct across eastern North America within the next 20 years.

The little brown myotis is one of the most common bat species in North America. If this species with high population counts can go extinct that quickly, how many other rare or endangered species will also go extinct along the way? Federally endangered species including the Indiana and gray bat are already dying from WNS.

Bats inflicted with this fungal disease wake up more frequently, causing them to use up their fat stores. The bats then die from starvation or freeze. Caves infected with WNS can result in 100 percent mortality rates.

Bats are critical to food production and help stop the spread of disease through insect control. The loss of bats can have a large-scale impact on food security, public health and ecosystems.

The challenge of WNS is in understanding the origin and transmission of the disease. Once this is accomplished, a framework for combating the disease can be put into place. For 2010 Congress allocated $1.9 million to WNS research. An additional $5 million is needed to effectively fight WNS in 2011.