Disease-causing fungus has no apparent effect in Europe

It is thought that UK bats could be immune to a fungus associated with the deaths of more that 5.7 million bats in North America since 2006.

Psuedogymnoascus destructans, a fungus that is the known cause of the disease White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) in bats, has been discovered in the UK for the first time.

Despite samples being collected and tested across five sites in Kent and Sussex, as far as scientists are aware, the fungus has not resulted in any bat deaths in the country.

It is therefore believed that UK bats are immune to the disease, particularly since one tested fit and healthy after being found with the fungus on its ear.

WNS affects hibernation, thus causing the mammals to use up fat reserves that cannot be replaced due to lack of available food and water during the winter season. As a result, the disease causes death to large numbers of dehydrated, underweight bats every year in North America.

However, the fungus has also been confirmed in sites across Europe, with no reported related deaths.

Julia Hanmer, chief executive of Bat Conservation Trust, said: "In North America, the fungus causes WNS and millions of bats have died. In Europe, the fungus has been found on bats, but the difference is these animals are alive and appear to be healthy."

She added that there is no evidence of WNS in Europe, despite reason to believe the fungus has been present here for a long time.

"European bats have developed resilience to it," explained Ms Hanmer. "The fungus was most likely introduced to North America from this side of the Atlantic, hence the dramatic effect it is having on bat populations there, as they have no immunity to the disease."